News

Miller Sworn In As New Council Member

Published

2 months ago

May 6, 2026

Fresh on the heels of his appointment by his seven fellow Council members, Don Miller takes the oath of office from City Secretary Heather McVay.

EL DORADO, AR – The El Dorado City Council convened in a special called session Tuesday evening with a single item on the agenda: filling the Ward Two vacancy left by the resignation of Alderman Vance Williamson.

Mayor Paul Choate opened the meeting by explaining that the Council would hear from three candidates, in the order their applications were submitted.

The first to speak was Don Miller, who began by thanking the Council for the opportunity. He highlighted more than 40 years of experience in business, emphasizing his roles as both a leader and administrator. Miller also pointed to his involvement with the local United Way and the El Dorado Advertising & Promotion Commission.

Following his remarks, Ward 3 Alderman Andre Rucks posed a question, noting that while business leadership and public service share similarities, they can also differ significantly. He asked how Miller would translate his business background into a servant-minded approach to governing.

Miller responded quickly, pushing back on the idea that the two are fundamentally different. “People are the most important part of business,” he said, adding that his commitment to serving others began early in life, shaped by his upbringing and faith. He stressed that while profit may be the goal in business, it should never come at the expense of people.

Ward Two’s senior Alderman, Willie McGhee, asked how Miller planned to stay engaged with constituents if appointed. Miller said he intended to remain actively involved in the community and pointed to fellow Ward Two Alderman Judy Ward as an example, noting that he has often seen her walking neighborhood streets and looks forward to doing the same alongside her.

The Council next heard from Dr. Ken Bridges, who noted his 16 years as a Ward Two resident. He highlighted his role as founder of the South Arkansas Food Pantry and his service with Interfaith Services and Habitat for Humanity.

Bridges also spoke about his career as an educator, teaching history, geography, and political science, and said he encourages his students to see themselves as “part of the process.” He added that he is a syndicated columnist appearing in nearly 100 newspapers across Arkansas and Texas.

Explaining his motivation for seeking the position, Bridges said, “I have 16,653 reasons—that’s the latest census estimate of our population in 2024.” He acknowledged the city’s long-term population decline, noting losses of 200 to 300 residents annually since 1980. While he said the trend could not be reversed in just a few months, he believes steps can be taken to begin addressing it.

When asked what the city government could improve, Bridges said he would like to ensure citizens feel heard and understand that their voices matter.

The final candidate, Veronica Smith-Creer, reminded the Council of her more than 30 years as a local small business owner. She also pointed to her service on the South Arkansas College Board of Directors, her involvement with the NAACP and Justice League, and her previous tenure as Mayor of El Dorado.

Smith-Creer spoke about hosting seven mayoral balls, which raised more than $20,000 for local nonprofits and charities. Still, she said her proudest role is being “Mimi” to her grandchildren.

She assured the Council that, if selected, she would advocate for all Ward Two residents. When asked by Rucks how she would transition from mayor to alderman, Smith-Creer emphasized the importance of teamwork. “Being a good leader means being able to work as part of a team and being willing to be a team player,” she said.

After the candidates concluded their remarks, the Council voted. Don Miller received five votes, while Smith-Creer received two.

Following the meeting, all three candidates expressed appreciation for one another’s willingness to serve, with both Smith-Creer and Bridges congratulating Miller. He was then sworn in to fill the unexpired term.

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El Dorado Student Wins State – Headed to Nationals

Published

53 minutes ago

June 24, 2026

Sandy Sanford

EL DORADO, AR – Jai D. of Barton Junior High School took down 11 other students in the 2026 National Civics Bee, Arkansas State Finals. Jai earned the title as State Champion and will now represent Arkansas at the National Civics Bee Championship in Washington, D.C.

The National Civics Bee® is an annual competition that inspires young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. It encourages students to participate in a nonpartisan initiative to enhance civic literacy, skills, and participation. The National Civics Bee is open to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders in participating states. While details about the National Competition are still being sorted, last year’s competition featured students from 39 different states.

South Arkansas Now congratulates Jai on the amazing feat and will have more information as it becomes available.

Columns

HealthWorks Swim Programs Give South Arkansas Children Safety, Fitness and Summer Fun

Published

9 hours ago

June 24, 2026

J.W. Misenheimer

EL DORADO, Ark. — Families looking for productive ways to keep their children active this summer may not have to travel far. At HealthWorks Fitness Center in El Dorado, a growing swim program is helping children build confidence, stay active and learn skills that could one day save their lives.

HealthWorks offers private and group swim lessons designed to help children of different ages and ability levels become more comfortable in and around the water.

The program’s primary goal is not simply teaching children how to swim laps. Instructors also help students learn how to remain calm, control their breathing, float and move toward the side of a pool if they unexpectedly enter the water alone.

Swim coach Diego Valero said introducing children to basic water-survival skills at an early age can help them respond more effectively during an emergency. As children become more familiar with the water, they can replace panic with practical skills and greater confidence.

Those lessons are particularly important during the summer months, when families spend more time around swimming pools, lakes, rivers and other bodies of water.

Swimming also provides benefits beyond water safety. Regular lessons can help children develop coordination, endurance and strength while giving them a positive outlet for their energy.

The program offers a local answer to the familiar complaint that there is nothing for children to do in the community. By taking a closer look at programs already available in South Arkansas, families may discover activities that are entertaining, educational and beneficial long after summer ends.

Lessons for Different Ages and Skill Levels

HealthWorks Swim School uses the American Red Cross Water Safety and Learn-to-Swim programs. Its instructors are certified American Red Cross lifeguards and water-safety instructors.

Group lessons are limited to six students per instructor, allowing children to receive more individualized guidance while still learning alongside other swimmers.

The program offers lessons for children beginning at six months old.

Its Diaper Dippers program introduces children between six months and 3 years old to the water with a parent or guardian present. Songs, toys and guided activities are used to help young children become comfortable while parents receive information about water safety.

Older children can advance through five Learn-to-Swim levels:

Level 1 introduces basic water skills and is recommended for children who are not yet comfortable putting their heads underwater.
Level 2 focuses on fundamental aquatic skills such as floating and gliding.
Level 3 introduces stroke development and longer swimming movements.
Level 4 works on stroke improvement, treading water and swimming greater distances.
Level 5 helps experienced swimmers refine six swimming strokes and learn flip turns.

Children progress at their own pace, with instructors building upon each swimmer’s comfort level and existing skills.

Free assessment tests are available before group sessions to help determine the safest and most appropriate placement for each child.

From First Lessons to Competitive Swimming

Children who develop stronger swimming skills may also have the opportunity to continue through the Southern Arkansas Swim Club’s Thunder Turtles summer league team.

The summer league practices at HealthWorks on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Separate practice periods are offered for beginner-focused and advanced swimmers.

Participants must be able to swim 25 yards without assistance before joining the summer league team.

The club provides young swimmers with opportunities to practice regularly, participate in meets and develop their skills in a team environment. The 2026 schedule includes competitions in El Dorado, Monticello and Arkadelphia, along with the Junior Olympic Games in Des Moines, Iowa.

Whether a child is entering the water for the first time or preparing for competition, the programs provide opportunities to build discipline, friendships and confidence.

How Families Can Begin

Families interested in HealthWorks Swim School can visit the front desk at HealthWorks Fitness Center, located at 304 N. Madison Avenue in El Dorado, and request an enrollment form.

The enrollment form includes options for private lessons and group sessions. Parents can also review program information, lesson procedures and answers to frequently asked questions before registering.

For questions about HealthWorks Swim School, families may contact the aquatics department at 870-862-5442, extension 13.

Questions about the Southern Arkansas Swim Club may be directed to Diego Valero at 870-918-2238 or [email protected].

For South Arkansas families searching for something worthwhile for their children to do, the program demonstrates that local opportunities are available. Sometimes, families simply have to look a little closer beneath the surface.

Columns

Free Back 2 School Bash to Bring Family Entertainment and Educational Resources to El Dorado

Published

10 hours ago

June 24, 2026

J.W. Misenheimer

EL DORADO, Ark. — Families across South Arkansas are invited to attend the Back 2 School Bash 2026, a free community event combining family entertainment with educational opportunities ahead of the new school year.

The event will be held July 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Douglas Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, located at 969 Smackover Highway in El Dorado. Registration will begin at 4:15 p.m.

The Back 2 School Bash will feature waterslides, bouncy houses, amusement rides, motorcycle clubs and other activities for children of all ages. Colleges and additional educational organizations are also expected to participate, giving families an opportunity to connect with helpful information and resources.

Admission is free and the event is open to the entire community.

Attendees will also be able to enjoy free food and refreshments, including snow cones, cotton candy and popcorn. Music will be provided by DJ P “Flann,” with prizes and giveaways planned throughout the evening.

The event flyer also lists appearances and activities featuring Hamilton’s Farm and the national champion EHSS cheerleaders.

Organizers hope the celebration will provide children and families with an enjoyable evening while helping students become excited and prepared for the upcoming school year.

For additional information, contact Nikki Lee McCoy at 870-814-2876. The event flyer also lists Jamie Davis at 870-918-5096 as a contact.

News

Entergy, CADC to Offer Energy Bill Assistance Event in El Dorado July 8

Published

14 hours ago

June 24, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Residents needing help with their electric bills will have an opportunity to meet directly with Entergy representatives and assistance program officials during a special customer care event next month.

Entergy Arkansas and the Central Arkansas Development Council (CADC) will host a Customer Care Pop-Up on Wednesday, July 8, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the lobby of the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium, located at 100 W. 8th St.

The event is designed to help customers better understand their electric bills, learn about energy-saving programs, and explore resources available through Entergy. Representatives will also be available to assist eligible residents with applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, commonly known as LIHEAP.

LIHEAP provides financial assistance to qualifying households struggling with energy costs and can help reduce the burden of high utility bills, particularly during periods of extreme weather.

Officials encourage anyone planning to apply for assistance to bring several required documents, including a valid ID or driver’s license, a Social Security card or Social Security number, proof of all household income, copies of recent electric bills, and a lease agreement if they live in subsidized housing or if utilities are included in their rent.

Community leaders say the event offers a convenient opportunity for residents to receive one-on-one assistance, ask questions about their accounts, and learn about programs that may help lower energy expenses.

The event is free and open to residents who live in counties served by the Central Arkansas Development Council.

Residents seeking additional information are encouraged to attend the event and bring all required documentation to ensure assistance applications can be processed efficiently.

News

Flash Flood Warning Issued For Columbia County

Published

14 hours ago

June 24, 2026

Grant Merrill

SHREVEPORT – A Flash Flood Warning remains in effect until 9:30 a.m. Wednesday for portions of southwest Arkansas as heavy rainfall continues to move across the region.

The National Weather Service in Shreveport issued the warning at 5:32 a.m. after Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing excessive rainfall across parts of Columbia, Hempstead, Lafayette, Little River, Miller and Nevada counties.

Forecasters say between 2 and 4 inches of rain have already fallen across the warned area, with an additional 2 to 4 inches possible through the morning. The heavy rainfall is expected to create dangerous flash flooding conditions, particularly in low-lying and poor drainage areas.

Communities included in the warning include Hope, Stamps, Waldo, Lewisville, McNeil, Buckner, Perrytown, Fulton, Washington, Bodcaw, Mount Vernon, McNab, Patmos, Oakhaven, Piney Grove, Falcon, McKamie, Hervey and Lerch.

The National Weather Service warns that small creeks and streams could quickly overflow, while flooding may also impact roads, highways, streets, underpasses and urban areas.

Officials are urging motorists to avoid flooded roadways and remember the warning: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Most flood-related deaths occur when vehicles attempt to drive through floodwaters.

Residents who observe flooding are encouraged to report conditions to local emergency management officials or law enforcement so the information can be relayed to the National Weather Service.

The Flash Flood Warning remains in effect until 9:30 a.m., and residents in the affected counties should continue monitoring weather conditions throughout the morning.