For Sherman Glass, it was only his third time to cook steaks competitively. It turned out to be his best.

Glass and the four other members of the team Muleriders Smoke Show from Southern Arkansas University won the 2025 World Championship Steak Cook-Off at the Magnolia Blossom Festival.

Glass, an instructor of agriculture education at SAU, first began cooking at the Blossom Festival just two years ago when he was teaching agriculture education at Magnolia High School. “We built a grill at Magnolia High School, and that’s kind of how I got into grilling,” said Glass.

In 2023, Glass and his team from MHS placed 32. His team jumped up to 16th place in 2024. “I had a feeling I could make it into the top 10 this year, but I was really surprised when we won first place,” said Glass.

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Dr. Copie Moore, associate professor of agriculture science at SAU, said Glass approached her with the idea of cooking in the Steak Cook-Off back in the fall of 2024.  ” Sherman started having this crazy idea,” laughed Moore. “He said, ‘Copie, we should cook in the festival this year.’ And that’s how we started.

They were joined on the team by Emma Cook, a May 2025 graduate in agriculture education from SAU, Hannay Boyte, a former SAU graduate and the current County Extension Agent for Columbia County, and Copie’s daughter, Sadie Moore, who is taking concurrent credit at SAU as a high school student.

For Moore, it was her first year cooking, and she had to change a previously scheduled family vacation to participate in the competition.  “I had no idea what it was going to entail. I cook steaks for my family, but that’s not a big deal,” said Moore.

Glass said he enjoyed participating in the steak cooking when he taught at MHS and wanted to continue doing so at the event. “I liked the competition. And we’re the Ag Department, so it kind of made sense for us to be cooking in it,” said Glass.

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In the week leading up to the Steak Cook-Off, the steak team had the enviable task of tasting several different recipes to help select the one they would use at the Blossom Festival.  “Sherman bought steaks every day and brought them to the school to cook,” said Moore. “He’s got a recipe that he has perfected.”

Glass said he’s been tinkering with the recipe since the first time he competed in the Cook-Off.

“I mixed my own seasoning,” said Glass. “It’s something I’ve been working on over the last three years. I just change it up a little bit.”

However, Glass said the recipe is just one ingredient to a winning steak. “You’ve got to get the grill marks right; it’s got to look right. And you’ve got to get the doneness right. Those things take some practice.”

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Glass and Moore both agreed it was a memorable and rewarding day for the cooking team from SAU. “It was a good, fun, hot day,” said Glass. “We knew our number,” added Moore, referring to the team’s assigned number for the award ceremony. “When we heard it called, we jumped up—we were both a little surprised but excited.” After a full day of hard work, teamwork, and sizzling competition, the SAU team walked away with the first-place trophy. It was a proud finish to a standout moment—one that may not come often but won’t be forgotten.

EL DORADO — The City of El Dorado is celebrating the recognition of two of its own as among the best in Arkansas firefighting. Captain Joseph Perry and Captain Marlee Thurlkill were each awarded the prestigious State Firefighter of the Year Award during a statewide ceremony held this past weekend in Hot Springs.

The award, presented annually, honors outstanding service, bravery, and dedication to the fire service. Having two recipients from the same department is a rare and notable achievement—one that reflects the strength and professionalism of El Dorado’s fire personnel.

Both captains have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment through years of service, training, and action under pressure. Their recognition at the state level shines a spotlight on the caliber of emergency response in El Dorado.

SHREVEPORT – After a night of severe thunderstorms, more unsettled weather is expected today across southern and eastern parts of the region, including South Arkansas. The National Weather Service in Shreveport has placed the area under a Level 1 (Marginal) risk for severe storms, the lowest tier on its five-level scale.

Scattered showers will continue through much of the morning, with embedded thunderstorms developing at times. While isolated thunderstorms are possible throughout the day, the best chance for stronger storms will be in the southern and eastern zones.

Forecasters warn of potential hazards including damaging wind gusts in excess of 60 miles per hour and large hail up to quarter size or larger.

Residents are advised to stay weather aware and monitor for any warnings issued throughout the day, especially in areas like El Dorado, Ruston, and Monroe.

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For the latest updates, visit weather.gov/shv or follow @NWSShreveport on social media.

EL DORADO — The Murphy Arts District (MAD) in El Dorado is teaming up with the NELA Music Association in a new partnership aimed at providing expanded performance opportunities for musicians from Northeast Louisiana.

Announced Monday, the collaboration is a significant move to bring fresh talent from the NELA region to new stages and broader audiences. As part of the agreement, the Murphy Arts District will serve as the official presenter of the Best Emerging Artist Award at the 2025 NELA Music Awards.

The partnership underscores both organizations’ shared mission to elevate Southern music and create platforms for rising artists.

“We greatly admire the work they’ve done to build a thriving district that champions live music,” said Myra Gatling-Akers, President and Founder of the NELA Music Awards. “Expanding into new markets is vital for our musicians, giving them greater exposure and helping them grow their fan base beyond our region.”

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Joanna Benson, Marketing Manager at MAD, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the venue’s long-standing support of regional talent.

“Over the years, we’ve developed a strong bond with many talented NELA artists who have taken the stage at MAD, and it’s been a joy to watch their careers flourish,” Benson said. “We’re passionate about continuing to support and build relationships with the next generation of artists.”

The partnership is expected to drive greater visibility for emerging musicians while reinforcing El Dorado’s status as a vibrant cultural hub in the South.

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EL DORADO — The El Dorado School Board will convene for its regular monthly meeting Monday evening at 6 p.m., with several key items on the agenda, including athletic budgeting, personnel discussions, and assurances for federal education programs.

Board members will begin by reviewing and approving the minutes from the May 12 regular meeting, as well as three special called meetings held on May 8, May 13, and May 27.

One of the notable items on the agenda is a presentation from Athletic Director Phillip Lansdell regarding the district’s athletic budget and insurance plans for the upcoming school year. The board will also vote on a resolution to appoint a representative to the South Central Service Cooperative Board of Directors.

Sherry Floss is scheduled to present the annual ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act), IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) assurances, and the district’s GEPA (General Education Provisions Act) statement, which are required for federal funding compliance.

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Additionally, the board will consider student transfer petitions before moving into executive session to discuss personnel matters.

The meeting will take place at the district’s central office and is open to the public.