EL DORADO, AR – Arkansas’ Junior U.S. Senator, Tom Cotton (R-Russellville) made a quick stop in Union County this morning, stopping at the Lawson Volunteer Fire Department and personally thanking the first responders whose quick and tireless work, extinguished the Pine Tree Road Wildfire. The fire, which has been recorded as the largest in the State of Arkansas in more than 60 years, devoured nearly 2,300 acres of woodlands. “Not a single Arkansan lost their life, not one single home fell to the ground either.” Cotton said, in his statement to the crowd on hand for the private ceremony. Cotton also said the miraculous statistics were not just an answer to prayer but a testament to the leadership of local officials and the courage of the first responders.

In addition to the first responders and county officials, Senator Cotton took a moment to thank the congregation of Lawson Baptist Church and their pastor, Don Travis. He thanked them collectively for, “aiding in the response efforts by offering up their facilities for all of you who were fighting the fire.” For the full speech, you can see the video attached to this story.

After the speech, the ceremonies moved inside where the Senator then handed official recognition awards to those parties he had previously thanked.

Award being given to Pro Med Ambulance

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Award given to Union County Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Bruce Goff

Pastor Don Travis of Lawson Baptist Church

Union County Judge Mike Loftin accepted recognition on behalf of the Union County Road Crews and a second award made by the Senator to the County Judge for his efforts in leading and coordinating the response

Union County Sheriff Charlie Phillips, along with administration from the Sheriff’s Office, accepted the award on behalf of the Sheriff’s Department Employees who assisted in the fire response.

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The Lawson / Urbana Fire Department accepted an award for the all of the volunteer firemen who worked around the clock.

The whole group posed for one big picture

EL DORADO, AR – From the South Arkansas Now studios, incoming State Representative Jim Andrews joins Sandy & Boomer Off the Back Porch!

• Also Boomer learns how to clear his TikTok algorithim.

• A young lady from South Arkansas moved to the Austin area and has found herself adapting easily

• You know you’re at a different birthday party, when you show up at the 6 year old’s party to find two kegs, a full bar with 2 bartenders

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• What does it mean to settle (in a relationship)

• One viewer messages the show with an ugly note

All of this and more on this week’s episode of Off The Back Porch!

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El Dorado, AR – Joining Sandy & Boomer this week is Union County Republican Party Chairman, Kent Harrell. The guys discuss a wide range of topics, including life in the 1980’s, conspiracy theories, politics, sports, and much more!

El Dorado High School Principal, John Jameson, joins Sandy & Boomer for the latest episode of, “Off The Back Porch.”

EL DORADO, AR – Sandy & Boomer welcome Clark Burton to the Big Couch this week. Clark explains how the new Expo Center has the potential to be a HUGE boom for South Arkansas!