News

… And The Race Is On!

Published

6 months ago

November 25, 2025

Jax Sanford

UNION COUNTY, ARKANSAS – The upcoming election cycle, at least for Union County, will feature a blend of unopposed incumbents, competitive local races, and several school board vacancies across the region. As filing closed, a clear picture emerged of which offices will advance without challenge and which positions will require voters to make key decisions at the polls.

A substantial number of countywide positions will be uncontested this year. County Judge Mike Loftin and County Clerk Mandi Fudge will both return to office without opposition. Tax Collector Karen Scott, Treasurer Jody Cunningham, and Coroner Stormey Primm will also run unopposed. Several Quorum Court candidates have no challengers in their respective districts, including Mike Dumas in District 1, Greg Harrison in District 2, David Taylor in District 3, Steven Ward in District 4, Carolyn Jones in District 5, Casey Wooten in District 7, Fredrick E. White Jr. in District 9, Ross Burton in District 10, and Phillip Hamaker in District 11. Constable races will also be straightforward, as Stephen Rose in Boone Township and Jeffery “Scotty” Points in Garner Township are both unopposed.

The City of El Dorado will also see several uncontested seats. In the City Council, Rex David Hurst will stand alone on the ballot for Ward 1, Position 1. Willie McGhee and Markeith Cook, representing Ward 3 Positions 1 and 2, respectively, will also appear unopposed, along with Buddy McAdams in Ward 4, Position 1, and Dianne Hammond in Ward 4, Position 2. Both Zone 1 and Zone 2 races for the El Dorado School Board are unopposed as well, with Renee Skinner and Justin Geurin the sole candidates in their respective zones.

In Smackover, every listed city position is unopposed, meaning the mayoral race featuring Donald B. Brock, as well as the Ward 1/Position 1 and Ward 2/Position 2 seats held by Mark Corley and Chris Long, will all move forward without challengers. Smackover’s School Board Zone 2 race is also uncontested, with Dustin Bagwell running alone. Junction City’s ballot is similarly light on competition. Mayor Sharon L. Williams, Rhonda R. Perry in Ward 2/Position 1, John Williams in Ward 2/Position 2, and Kenneth Harris in Ward 3/Position 1 will all run unopposed. For the Junction City School Board, Zone 4 candidate Bobby E. Bryan stands without opposition. The Strong and Parkers Chapel school districts will also see exclusively unopposed filings, with every listed candidate running uncontested in their respective zones and positions.

Despite the large number of unopposed offices, several significant races will require voter input:

• SHERIFF’S RACE, CIRCUIT CLERK, TAX ASSESSOR & TWO QUORUM COURT RACES.

The Union County Sheriff’s race will be contested between Republican Michael Fife and Democrat Erick L. Meadows. The Circuit Clerk position will feature a Republican primary between Tonya Bass Allen and Kelley McWilliams Ward, while the Tax Assessor’s race will also be decided in a Republican primary between Carrie Langley and Misti Rawls-Conley. Two Quorum Court districts—Districts 6 and 8—will see competitive races. District 6 features Republican Jebb T. Young facing Democrat Solena Sayer, while District 8 will be decided between Republicans Randy Hendricks and Adam Robertson.

• EL DORADO MAYOR, CITY ATTORNEY, & THREE CITY ALDERMAN SEATS.

El Dorado’s highest-profile municipal contests will take place in the mayoral and city attorney races. Three candidates are running for mayor: Councilman Andre Rucks, incumbent Mayor Paul D. Choate, and challenger Reko Roberson. The City Attorney race will also be contested, with Ryan Wolf, LaQuetta S. Henry, and Robert Rushing seeking the position. Multiple City Council seats will appear on the ballot as well, including Ward 1/Position 2, where Jill Weinischke, LaQuita Rainey, and Shane Calaway are all seeking the seat. In Ward 2, both Position 1 and Position 2 will feature two-way races between Lance Greer Jr. and Veronica Smith-Creer, and between Judy Ward and Amy S. Smith, respectively. City of El Dorado voters may also have a 1/2 cent sales tax measure to vote on that would provide funding for South Arkansas Regional Hospital. That measure still has time to be placed on the ballot if qualifying criteria are met.

Additional contested races appear on local school boards. In Smackover, Zone 4 will be decided between Derrick D. Goodwin and Cliff Preston. Junction City’s School Board Zones 1 and 5 remain vacant, though they may be filled through appointment or a special election depending on district policy and timing. These competitive races and open seats ensure that, despite many uncontested filings, voters will still have meaningful choices to make in several key areas.

• US SENATE, CONGRESS, UNOPPOSED STATE SENATE AND HOUSE RACES.

In other elections slated to be on the ballot locally, United States Senator Tom Cotton will face primary challenges from Missionary Baptist pastor Micah Ashby, and former Arkansas State Police Trooper Jeb Little of Warren, Arkansas. The Democratic ballot for Senate features Lewisville, Arkansas Mayor Dr. Ethan Dunbar; Newport farmer Hallie Shoffner, and Bella Vista native Dan Whitfield. Republican Congressman Bruce Westerman will not have a primary opponent but the Democratic party will choose between Steven O’Donnell from Gillham, Arkansas and self described unapologetic Progressive and former gubernatorial candidate James Russell. One of those two will face Westerman in November. State Senator Matt Stone is running unopposed and political newcomer Jim Andrews will be filling the District 97 seat currently held by term limited Matthew Shepherd. Current District 96 Representative Sonia Barker is unopposed in her bid to return to Little Rock and represent Union County.

• GOVERENOR, SECRETARY OF STATE, AND STATE LAND COMMISSIONER.

Statewide constitutional offices will include Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders facing either Fredrick Love or Supha Xayprasith-Mays. Lieutenant Governor Leslie Rutledge is unopposed. Secretary of State Democratic candidate Kelly Grappe will face the winner of the Republican primary between State Senator Kim Hammer of Benton, Miller County Judge Cathy Hardin-Harrison, and Retired First Sargent Bryan Norris from Batesville. Attorney General Tim Griffin is unopposed in his election, as are State Auditor Dennis Milligan and State Treasurer John Thurston. Commissioner of State Lands will see the election decided in the Republican Primary between current Secretary of State, Cole Jester and Little Rock real estate investor Christian Olson.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: South Arkansas Now will host two political forums / debates. One will be in Late February for candidates with Primary opponents and the other will be in Late October for the General Election! Former Managing Editor of the El Dorado News Times, Shea Hutchens-Wilson has agreed to moderate the debates. Exact details on the date, time and location are coming soon!

Also, any candidate wishing to put the power of South Arkansas Now to work for them in an upcoming race is encouraged to contact either Jax Sanford at 870.918.0330 or B.A. “Sandy” Sanford at 870.315.4704

Shea Hutchens-Wilson to moderate candidate debates

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News

Calling the Hogs Event Draws Strong Crowd in El Dorado

Published

5 hours ago

June 5, 2026

J.W. Misenheimer

EL DORADO, Ark. — Razorback fans and community supporters packed the First Financial Music Hall at the Murphy Arts District Thursday evening for Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth, an event that brought together Arkansas sports stories, dinner, fellowship and fundraising.

The evening featured Chuck Barrett, the well-known voice of the Arkansas Razorbacks, who shared stories from his years behind the microphone and offered guests an inside look at some of the most memorable moments in Arkansas sports. Longtime Arkansas broadcaster and storyteller Rex Nelson served as Master of Ceremonies, helping guide the evening with humor, insight and plenty of Hog spirit.

The catered event, with dinner provided by Madhouse 101, drew a strong turnout, with venue tables filled throughout the evening. In addition to the program, guests also took part in an auction, where every auction item was sold.

Organizers said the event was a great success, bringing together Razorback fans, local supporters and community members for an evening centered on storytelling, sports nostalgia and South Arkansas hospitality.

Watch a quick highlight from the event!

News

El Dorado Man Faces Charges After SWAT Standoff

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — A 39-year-old El Dorado man is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Union County District Court on Friday after being taken into custody following a lengthy police standoff earlier this week.

According to the El Dorado Police Department, Gary Lee Moore was arrested Tuesday morning after officers responded to a reported aggravated assault and spent more than an hour attempting to negotiate his surrender.

Authorities said officers were first called to South Arkansas Regional Hospital at approximately 6:45 a.m. Tuesday after receiving information about a suspected aggravated assault. Investigators reported that the victim told officers Moore had threatened her life and warned that he would kill any law enforcement officers who attempted to intervene.

Following the report, officers went to a residence in the 2700 block of Mount Holly Road to locate Moore.

Police secured the area around the residence, including shutting down a portion of Mount Holly Road, while ensuring no other individuals were inside the home. Crisis negotiators then began efforts to persuade Moore to surrender peacefully.

According to police, negotiators used verbal commands and communicated with Moore several times by telephone during the standoff. Despite those efforts, Moore repeatedly refused to leave the residence.

After negotiations proved unsuccessful, the El Dorado Police Department’s SWAT team implemented tactical measures that ultimately prompted Moore to exit the home.

Moore was taken into custody without further incident.

He has been charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threatening, resisting arrest and several additional charges.

Moore remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in Union County District Court on June 5.

The investigation remains ongoing.

News

Youth Festival Of The Arts Set For This Weekend

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO, — Young artists from across South Arkansas will have an opportunity to display their creativity and connect with the community during the upcoming Youth Festival of the Arts on Saturday, June 6.

The event, presented through a partnership between the South Arkansas Arts Center and the Boys & Girls Club of Union County, will take place from 10 a.m. until noon at the Boys & Girls Club, located at 1201 N. West Ave. in El Dorado.

Organizers describe the event as a one-of-a-kind children’s art marketplace designed to celebrate and support young artists while encouraging creativity and artistic expression.

The festival will transform the indoor Lanxess Gym at the Boys & Girls Club into an art fair featuring artwork created by children and youth from throughout the region. Community members will have the opportunity to view the artwork, meet young artists and show their support for the next generation of creative talent.

The event is part of an ongoing effort by both organizations to provide artistic opportunities for local youth and help foster an appreciation for the arts in South Arkansas.

SAAC and the Boys & Girls Club have partnered on numerous programs focused on arts education, and organizers say the Youth Festival of the Arts is designed to give young creators a platform to share their work while building confidence and developing their artistic skills.

Community members are encouraged to attend and help support the area’s emerging artists.

Event Details

What: Youth Festival of the Arts
When: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Boys & Girls Club of Union County, 1201 N. West Ave., El Dorado
Hosted By: South Arkansas Arts Center and Boys & Girls Club of Union County
Admission: Open to the public

The event offers families a chance to celebrate creativity, encourage young artists and enjoy a morning dedicated to the arts in El Dorado.

News

Juneteenth Celebration Set For June 19th

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Families from across South Arkansas are invited to gather for a day of celebration, education and community as the Justice League hosts its annual Juneteenth Stop the Violence Family Fun Day on June 19 at the Murphy Arts District Amphitheater.

The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the MAD Amphitheater and will feature food, entertainment, activities for children and community engagement opportunities designed to bring residents together while promoting peace and unity.

Organizers say attendees can enjoy free food, frozen treats, community vendors, a bounce house, water slide, poster contest, speakers, live entertainment and free T-shirts while supplies last.

The event is presented by the Justice League and made possible through support from title sponsor Clean Harbors.

Celebrating Juneteenth

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans that they were free—more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Although Lincoln’s proclamation officially declared enslaved people in Confederate states free on Jan. 1, 1863, enforcement depended on the presence of Union troops. In many parts of the South, slavery continued until federal troops arrived and enforced the order.

The announcement in Texas marked one of the final acts of emancipation in the United States and became a day of celebration among formerly enslaved people and their descendants.

Over the decades, Juneteenth grew from local community gatherings into a nationally recognized observance. In 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday, officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day.

Today, communities across the country celebrate the holiday with festivals, educational programs, cultural events, parades and family gatherings that honor freedom, resilience and African American history.

Bringing the Community Together

Organizers of the El Dorado event say the Family Fun Day is designed not only to celebrate Juneteenth but also to encourage positive community engagement and promote efforts to reduce violence through education, fellowship and outreach.

Residents of all ages are encouraged to attend and take part in the festivities.

Event Information

What: Juneteenth Stop the Violence Family Fun Day
When: June 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Murphy Arts District Amphitheater, El Dorado
Admission: Free
Activities: Food, frozen treats, vendors, bounce house, water slide, poster contest, speakers, entertainment and more

The event is open to the public and welcomes families throughout the region to celebrate Juneteenth and the spirit of community together.

News

“Calling The Hogs” Event With Chuck Barrett Set For Tonight

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Razorback fans will have a chance to hear behind-the-scenes stories from one of the most recognizable voices in Arkansas sports tonight as “Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth” comes to the Murphy Arts District.

The special event, scheduled for June 4 inside the First Financial Music Hall, will feature legendary Arkansas Razorbacks play-by-play broadcaster Chuck Barrett, whose voice has become synonymous with some of the most memorable moments in Razorback athletics.

Barrett will share stories from his years behind the microphone, offering fans a unique look at the people, moments and memories that have shaped Arkansas sports. The evening is expected to include tales from the broadcast booth, locker room stories and insights into some of the biggest games in Razorback history.

Serving as master of ceremonies will be longtime Arkansas broadcaster and storyteller Rex Nelson, who will help guide the conversation and add his own blend of humor and perspective throughout the program.

Guests will also enjoy a catered dinner provided by Madhouse 101. Dinner service begins at 6:30 p.m. before the evening’s program gets underway.

Organizers say the event is designed to bring together sports fans, community members and supporters of Arkansas athletics for an entertaining night of storytelling and fellowship.

Tickets are $50 per person, plus applicable fees and taxes. Seating is limited.

The event will be held tonight at the First Financial Music Hall at Murphy Arts District in downtown El Dorado.