News
Boozman, Colleagues Push to Expand Access to Job Training Programs

WASHINGTON––U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Susan Collins (R-ME) to introduce the Jumpstarting Our Businesses by Supporting Students (JOBS) Act, bipartisan legislation to help more Americans get good-paying jobs by allowing students to use federal Pell Grants –– need-based education grants for lower-income individuals –– to pay for shorter-term job training programs for the first time.
Currently, Pell Grants can only be used at two- and four-year colleges and universities. By expanding Pell Grant eligibility, the JOBS Act would help close the skills gap by opening access to job training that students might otherwise be unable to afford but need for careers in high-demand fields.
“Increasing the supply of workers ready and able to fill in-demand jobs is exactly what our economy needs to thrive. As more students choose to pursue skills-based careers, we can ensure this pathway is open to everyone including those who need financial assistance to start that journey. I’m pleased to champion this bipartisan effort that can help more Americans receive job training,” Boozman said.
“No one should be priced out of an education—including a technical education—but I hear from many Virginians that access to high-quality job training programs that align with their goals is out of reach because of financial barriers,” said Kaine. “Simultaneously, I hear from employers throughout the Commonwealth about their struggles to fill skilled labor positions. With these Virginians in mind, I wrote the JOBS Act to help remedy these issues and provide more workers with the skills they need to get good-paying jobs and provide for their families. This bill is good for workers, good for employers, and good for our economy as a whole.”
“Job training programs are proven, successful tools that help people gain the skills they need to prepare for rewarding careers,” said Collins. “By helping students in Maine and across the country access this career pathway, this bipartisan legislation would assist young people with obtaining good-paying jobs and make it easier for businesses to find qualified workers.”
The JOBS Act would allow Pell Grants to be used for high-quality job training programs that are at least eight weeks in length and lead to industry-recognized credentials or certificates. Under current law, Pell Grants can only be applied toward programs that are over 600 clock hours or at least 15 weeks in length, rendering students in shorter-term, high-quality job training programs ineligible for crucial assistance.
Specifically, the JOBS Act would amend the Higher Education Act by:
• Expanding Pell Grant eligibility to students enrolled in rigorous and high-quality, short-term skills and job training programs that lead to industry-recognized credentials and certificates and ultimately employment in high-wage, high-skill industry sectors or careers.
• Ensuring students who receive Pell Grants are earning high-quality postsecondary credentials by requiring that the credentials:
o Meet the standards under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), such as meaningful career counseling and aligning programs to in-demand career pathways or registered apprenticeship programs;
o Are recognized by employers, industry or sector partnerships;
o Align with the skill needs of industries in the state or local economy; and
o Are approved by the state workforce board in addition to the U.S. Department of Education.
• Defining eligible job training programs as those providing career and technical education instruction at an institution of higher education, such as a community or technical college that provides:
o At least 150 clock hours of instruction time over a period of at least eight weeks;
o Training that meets the needs of the local or regional workforce and industry partnerships;
o Streamlined ability to transfer credits so students can continue to pursue further education in their careers; and
o Licenses, certifications, or credentials that meet the hiring requirements of multiple employers in the field for which the job training is offered.
The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Steve Daines (R-MT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Dan Sullivan (D-AK), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
The JOBS Act is supported by Advance CTE, the American Association of Community Colleges, the Association for Career and Technical Education, the Association of Community College Trustees, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Business Roundtable, the Center for Law and Social Policy, the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance, Higher Learning Advocates, HP Inc., the Information Technology Industry Council, Jobs for the Future, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, NAF, the National Association of Workforce Boards, the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals, the National Skills Coalition, the Progressive Policy Institute and Rebuilding America’s Middle Class.
News
El Dorado Chamber Hosting Blood Drive Today

EL DORADO – The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce is partnering with LifeShare Blood Center to host a community blood drive on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The event will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chamber offices, located at 111 W. Main Street in downtown El Dorado.
Under the theme “Give the Spice of Life,” the blood drive aims to encourage residents to donate and help save lives during a critical time of year when blood supplies often run low.
As a thank-you, every donor will receive a free pass to the Chamber’s popular Business After Hours networking event, giving participants an opportunity to connect with local professionals and business leaders.
Organizers say the need for blood donors is especially urgent during the summer months, when donation rates typically decline but demand remains steady.
For more information about the blood drive or to learn how to participate, contact the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce or visit LifeShare.org. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged.
News
Hotter Temps, Thunderstorms Expected Today

SHREVEPORT — The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a forecast for scattered thunderstorms expected to develop this afternoon across parts of the Ark-La-Tex region. Residents are urged to remain weather-aware, as brief heavy downpours and lightning may accompany these storms.
Today’s high temperatures are forecast to reach between 85 and 90 degrees, with southwest winds around 10 mph helping to fuel the unsettled weather conditions. The storms are expected to remain scattered, meaning not all areas will see rainfall, but localized storm activity could be strong at times.
The National Weather Service encourages residents to monitor local updates throughout the day and to take proper precautions if storms approach.
For the latest weather information stay with South Arkansas Now.
News
El Dorado Seeks Applicants for Historic District Commission Seat

EL DORADO — The City of El Dorado is currently seeking applicants to fill an open seat on the Historic District Commission, a vital committee responsible for preserving and promoting the city’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Community members who have an interest in historic preservation and city development are encouraged to apply. The Historic District Commission plays a key role in shaping the visual character of El Dorado’s historic areas and ensuring responsible stewardship of local landmarks.
The deadline to apply is Monday, July 14, 2025, by 5:00 p.m.
Those interested in serving can obtain more information by contacting City Clerk Heather McVay at 870-881-4877 or via email at cityclerk@eldoradoar.org.
The city welcomes diverse applicants and encourages anyone passionate about El Dorado’s history and community development to step forward and apply.
News
Ouachita County Library Announces Summer Reading Program Schedule

CAMDEN — The Camden/Ouachita County Public Library has kicked off its 2025 Summer Reading Club with a lively lineup of educational and entertaining events aimed at engaging children and families throughout the summer.
Under the theme “Color Our World,” the program offers a wide variety of interactive presentations every Tuesday at 2:00 p.m., showcasing wildlife, storytelling, magic, and more. The schedule is designed to keep young readers inspired and involved during the summer break.
Here’s what’s coming up on the schedule:
- June 18 @ 2:00 p.m. – Delta Rivers Nature Center will present a program featuring nature and wildlife.
- June 25 @ 2:00 p.m. – Animalogy will bring a wide variety of animals for an up-close experience.
- July 2 @ 2:00 p.m. – Marty Boone, also known as the Balloon Man, will perform a fun-filled magic show.
- July 9 @ 2:00 p.m. – Bar-R Farms returns with a petting zoo that children are sure to enjoy.
- July 16 @ 2:00 p.m. – Storyteller Cindy Phillips will close out the series with a performance of classic folk tales.
Earlier this month, Logoly State Park kicked off the program on June 11 with a presentation on reptiles.
All events are free and open to the public. The library encourages families across Ouachita County to attend and help foster a love for reading in children of all ages. For more information, contact the Camden/Ouachita County Public Library directly.
News
Victim Identified In Highway Seven Fatal Wreck

EL DORADO – An 81-year-old man from Smackover was killed Tuesday morning in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of State Highway 7 and Pershing Highway, according to the Arkansas State Police.
Huey Lane Green, 81, was pronounced dead at the scene following the collision, which occurred around 10:55 a.m. Green was driving a 2007 Pontiac eastbound and had pulled onto the shoulder at the intersection before attempting to make a left turn across the southbound lane of traffic. His vehicle was struck on the left side by a 2005 Chevrolet, also traveling south on Highway 7.
Two other individuals were injured in the crash. Tristen Dewayne Peebles, 22, of Camden, the driver of the Chevrolet, and Joey Allen Williams, 39, of Ward, a passenger in Green’s vehicle, were transported to South Arkansas Regional Hospital for treatment.
Conditions at the time of the crash were clear and dry. Green’s body is being held at Young’s Funeral Home. Next of kin have been notified.
The crash remains under investigation by Arkansas State Police Trooper Logan Holmes.
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