News

El Dorado Council Advances Baptist Health Hospital Lease, Heated Exchanges Highlight Thursday Meeting

Published

3 months ago

June 12, 2026

Jax Sanford

EL DORADO, Ark. — The El Dorado City Council took a significant step toward securing the future of South Arkansas Regional Hospital Thursday night, unanimously approving a resolution that will allow the city to move forward with leasing the hospital to Baptist Health once ownership of the property is transferred from Union County.

However, what began as a routine council meeting quickly evolved into an evening marked by passionate debate, personal disagreements, and multiple contentious exchanges among council members and city officials. The meeting opened with an announcement promoting the South Arkansas Fisher’s of Men event scheduled for Aug. 27 at First Financial Bank Music Hall. Organizers announced that “Duck Dynasty” star Jace Robertson will serve as keynote speaker, while Mr. Woods of Woods Place in Camden will provide a fish fry for attendees.

Hospital Lease Resolution Receives Unanimous Approval

Tim Ezell of Friday Law Firm in Little Rock and South Arkansas Regional Hospital President Danna Taylor appeared before the council seeking approval of a resolution related to the future lease of the hospital property to Baptist Health. The resolution comes as Union County prepares to transfer ownership of the hospital property to the City of El Dorado. According to officials, Union County Judge Mike Loftin is expected to sign the deed transferring ownership on Friday, June 12. City Attorney Robert Rushing explained that while additional modifications will likely be made before a final lease agreement is executed, approval of the resolution would allow the parties involved to continue moving forward with negotiations and planning.

Councilmember Willie McGhee asked how any revenue generated from the Access for Life Tax would be handled.

“It will be up to the council on how the dollars are spent,” Taylor responded.

Councilmember Andre Rucks questioned Taylor about the approximately 40 jobs that were recently eliminated at South Arkansas Regional Hospital. Taylor acknowledged the staffing reductions but emphasized that the hospital simultaneously created roughly 30 new positions. She explained that many of the employees whose jobs were eliminated were offered opportunities to move into those newly created positions.

“We can’t just tell an employee they’re going to be doing a new job,” Taylor explained, noting that employees were given opportunities to apply for the new positions.

Following the discussion, the council unanimously approved the resolution.

Food Truck Ordinance Could Bring Higher Fees and Steeper Penalties

Councilmember Dianne Hammond presented proposed changes to the city’s food truck ordinance, including significantly higher permit fees and increased penalties for violations. Under the proposal, food truck operators would pay between $60 and $100 for their first day of operation, depending on whether utility hookups are required. Additional operating days would cost between $30 and $75 per day. Violations of the ordinance could result in fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 plus court costs.

During the discussion, city officials noted that portions of the city’s code would need to be updated before such regulations could be properly enforced. Council members were reminded that the city’s code has not undergone a comprehensive update since 2007.

The council also discussed whether food trucks should be prohibited from operating on city-owned property altogether. While concerns were raised about protecting existing local businesses, the overall consensus favored encouraging entrepreneurs to bring business into El Dorado while maintaining support for established operations such as DP’s Food Truck Park.

Summer Jobs Program Discussion Turns Heated

One of the most spirited discussions of the evening occurred before the council moved into new business. Councilmember Willie McGhee voiced frustration over the absence of a city-sponsored summer jobs program this year, questioning why the program was not available for local youth. During the discussion, McGhee directly challenged Mayor Paul Choate, asking, “Do you even know your job description? I don’t know your job description.” McGhee repeatedly placed responsibility for the missing program on the mayor. Other council members and city officials noted that such a program cannot operate unless funding is included in the city’s annual budget.

Councilmember Judy Ward reflected on previous years when she worked extensively to keep the program operating. Ward said she developed training opportunities and worked to secure commitments from local businesses willing to hire participating students. According to Ward, many businesses ultimately chose not to participate again due to concerns about work ethic among participants and declining enrollment in the program over recent years.

Officials also noted that the El Dorado Water Utility continues to budget funds each year to hire between eight and twelve young adults during the summer.

When given an opportunity to respond, Choate praised the history of the program and highlighted the success of two students who worked at City Hall last summer. The mayor reminded council members that budget priorities must be discussed during October.

“If you’re passionate about this program, you’ve got to talk about it in October, not April or May,” Choate said.

Historic District Update Leads to Recess

Tensions rose again later in the meeting during a presentation from Dr. Ken Bridges regarding Historic District Commission projects. Bridges highlighted a $14,000 grant that had been secured for City Hall renovations and expressed frustration over what he viewed as delays in moving the project forward. The discussion quickly escalated when Michael Rogers responded that he had personally helped halt progress on the project. Rogers explained that he was scheduled later in the meeting to present a much larger grant opportunity worth nearly $200,000 for City Hall renovations and believed the projects needed to be coordinated before moving forward.

As the disagreement intensified, council members called for a recess to allow everyone to regroup.

When the meeting resumed, the dispute continued. Bridges accused Rogers of “not being the city architect.” Rogers immediately responded, “I can show you the contract.” Mayor Choate eventually intervened, telling both men they were out of order.

Faced with confusion surrounding the competing renovation efforts and increasingly heated discussion, the council elected to postpone action on the matter.

Wins Tax Purchases Receive Unanimous Approval

Greg Downum reminded council members that the requests he was presenting had already been approved through the El Dorado Wins Tax budgeting process. Downum requested approval for the purchase of five new El Dorado Police Department patrol vehicles at a cost exceeding $300,000. The request was approved unanimously. The council also unanimously approved approximately $40,000 in personal protective equipment for the El Dorado Fire Department. Downum’s final request involved preparing for a major future purchase. He asked the council to earmark funding for a new fire engine for Station 3, which is expected to cost approximately $1.8 million and would likely be purchased in either 2027 or 2028. That request also received unanimous approval.

Animal Protection Officer Draws Criticism

Another tense moment occurred during discussion involving Animal Protection Officer Charles Hartsell. McGhee sharply criticized Hartsell’s performance and questioned whether he was adequately performing his duties. Robert Edmonds addressed the council on Hartsell’s behalf, explaining that many aspects of animal protection work occur behind the scenes and often go unnoticed by the public. Despite Edmonds’ presentation, McGhee remained unconvinced and continued criticizing the department even after Hartsell left the council chambers. Councilmember Buddy McAdams reminded McGhee that the council had previously voted on Hartsell’s position in February and suggested any changes would need to be addressed during upcoming budget discussions.

Boys and Girls Club Highlights Community Impact

David Lee appeared before the council on behalf of the Boys and Girls Club, thanking council members for their continued support. Lee highlighted numerous programs operated by the organization, including adult kickball leagues, youth basketball programs, summer feeding initiatives and a variety of activities serving local children and families throughout the year.

Four-Way Stop Approved After Safety Concerns Raised

The council approved the installation of an additional stop sign at the intersection of Ondo Lane and Robin Road, converting the intersection into a four-way stop. Council members referenced a recent accident involving a utility worker who reportedly suffered two broken legs at the intersection, reinforcing concerns about traffic safety in the area.

Nearly $200,000 Grant Proposed for City Hall

Later in the meeting, Rogers formally presented a grant proposal that would make $198,891 available for City Hall renovations. According to Rogers, the grant would operate under a two-thirds, one-third funding structure, with approximately one-third of the project costs being provided through El Dorado Wins Tax funds.

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News

OVERTURNED 18-WHEELER PROMPTS LANE CLOSURE

Published

24 minutes ago

September 14, 2026

Sandy Sanford

UNION COUNTY, AR – Sheriff Charlie Phillips, at 10:03 this morning, activated an emergency notice to citizrens of Union County, Arkansas. The notice says, “Please exercise caution when traveling on Oakland Road near the Stateline. There is an overturned 18-wheeler and traffic is down to one lane at this time.”

There is no mention of injuries or hazards beyond the single lane closure. As more information becomes available, South Arkansas Now will pass it along.

News

Heat Advisory Remains in Effect Across South Arkansas Through Tuesday Evening

Published

3 hours ago

September 14, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Dangerous heat will continue across South Arkansas as a Heat Advisory remains in effect through 7 p.m. Tuesday, with afternoon heat index values expected to climb as high as 109 degrees.

The National Weather Service in Shreveport says high temperatures across the region will range from the middle 90s to near 100 degrees. When combined with high humidity, conditions could make it feel between 105 and 109 degrees during the hottest portions of the afternoon.

The advisory includes portions of southwest and south-central Arkansas, including the El Dorado area, as well as southeast Oklahoma, East Texas and northern and central Louisiana.

Anyone spending time outdoors is urged to take precautions, particularly during the afternoon. Those working outside should take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas and drink plenty of water. Strenuous outdoor activities should be postponed until cooler parts of the day when possible.

Residents should also wear lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing and never leave children or pets unattended inside a vehicle. The National Weather Service notes that fans alone may not provide adequate protection during extreme heat, and those with access to air conditioning are encouraged to use it.

People should also know the warning signs of heat-related illness. Heat exhaustion can include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps and cool or clammy skin. Anyone experiencing those symptoms should move to a cooler location, drink water and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Warning signs can include confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures and extremely high body temperature. If heat stroke is suspected, call 911 immediately and begin cooling the person while waiting for emergency help. Do not give fluids to an unconscious person.

Older adults, young children, people with chronic medical conditions and those who work or exercise outdoors can be especially vulnerable to heat-related illness. Residents are also encouraged to check on relatives, friends and neighbors who may not have reliable air conditioning.

The Heat Advisory is scheduled to remain in effect through 7 p.m. Tuesday.

News

El Dorado Orchestra Program Holding Mattress Fundraiser

Published

3 hours ago

September 14, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — The El Dorado School District Orchestras are turning mattresses into music with a special one-day fundraiser benefiting the district’s orchestra programs.

The El Dorado School District Orchestras will host a Mattress Sale Fundraiser from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, in the El Dorado High School cafeteria.

Organizers say the event will feature a selection of mattresses from major brands along with other sleep-related products. Shoppers will also be able to purchase items including pillows and mattress toppers.

A portion of each purchase made during the event will benefit the El Dorado School District Orchestras, providing an opportunity for residents to shop for products they may already need while supporting local student musicians.

Organizers are encouraging members of the community to spread the word about the fundraiser, particularly to friends and family members who may be planning to purchase a new mattress or other sleep products.

The fundraiser will be held for one day only, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the El Dorado High School cafeteria. Proceeds from purchases will benefit the El Dorado School District Orchestras.

News

NASA Employee Returns To SAU To Complete Degree

Published

4 hours ago

September 14, 2026

Grant Merrill

MAGNOLIA – Astronauts know the strange feeling of returning to Earth after a flight in space.

NASA employee Chris Blanks now knows what it is like to re-enter a world after a long absence.

Blanks, a lead SharePoint developer with NASA in Houston, has returned to Southern Arkansas University to complete his degree more than 20 years after first enrolling.

“It’s a goal that I’ve had,” Blanks said of his return to SAU. “Regardless of the success I’ve had in life, there’s a level of fulfillment in me for finishing college.”

Blanks began at SAU in the summer of 2004 after being recruited to play defensive end for the Muleriders out of Elsik High School in Houston. Even as a freshman, he knew he wanted to pursue a career in a technical field. However, he had no idea of the twists and turns his life would take.

“Going into college, I always wanted to be an engineer, so I always had my sights set on something technical,” Blanks said. “With the degree options available at SAU, I thought I might end up in the field of information systems.”

Blanks attended SAU and played for the Muleriders through the fall of 2005 before returning home with hopes of continuing his football career.

“I took a step back and returned to the Houston area,” Blanks said. “I wanted to put myself in a position to continue my football career in a different place closer to home.”

After attending community college for a year, Blanks enrolled at Prairie View A&M University in the spring of 2007 with plans to join the football team. However, issues with his transfer prevented him from joining the team.

During this time, he began working toward a degree in information systems. “That laid the foundation for my career now and my return to SAU,” Blanks said.

Another turning point came in 2007 when Blanks earned an internship with M-I SWACO, a drilling company that provided environmental solutions. As an intern, Blanks built prototypes for drilling solutions, including a method for extracting fluids from oil-saturated cuttings pulled during drilling.

“We did it in a way that was environmentally safe,” Blanks said.

The company was acquired by Schlumberger in 2010. Blanks went on to work as a control systems engineer and business analyst, spending time in Italy during his final year with the company.

In 2013, Blanks accepted a position as a technical systems analyst with BMC Software in the Houston area, where he worked on a company rebranding project. He then became a senior business systems analyst with Anadarko Petroleum Corp. in the fall of 2014.

Five years later, Blanks joined Occidental Drilling Solutions. When the COVID-19 pandemic began the following spring, he transitioned to remote work as an IT consultant with Sony Corporation of America.

Blanks joined NASA in May of 2025 and still finds it a dream come true.

“It’s amazing. It’s a dream,” Blanks said. “I spent a lot of time looking up at the stars and wondering what was out there. And to be one step closer is a dream to me.”

Chris Blanks and daughter, Christian

A visit to the SAU campus in 2025 reignited his desire to finish what he had started more than two decades earlier.

Blanks has a 15-year-old daughter, Christian, and hopes his commitment to completing his education will serve as an example to her.

“I hope that my returning to school can be an example to her,” Blanks said. “When I advocate for education, I don’t want there to be any appearance of being a hypocrite or any doubt in her ability to accomplish any goal that she sets for herself.”

“When she sees me up late, she’s always asking if she can help with my homework,” Blanks added with a laugh.

During his first years at SAU, Blanks became a member of the Kappa Iota chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He has remained an active alumnus of the organization.

Blanks returned to the classroom at SAU in spring 2026, taking his first classes at the University in more than 20 years. He was named to the Dean’s List and is set to earn his associate degree in December. He is on track to graduate with a degree in information systems analytics in spring 2028.

He hopes his story will inspire others who may be considering returning to college after time away.

“I think about how immensely blessed I have been,” Blanks said. “I think about what this means to those around me. It’s a blessing to be able to help others and help my daughter.”

For those who wonder whether they, like Blanks, can return to school after years away, he has an emphatic answer.

“You can do it,” Blanks said. “It’s never too late. There are opportunities. If you really want to do it, you’ll find a way.”

Featured

El Dorado City Council discusses airport improvements, parks grant and public comment concerns

Published

4 days ago

September 10, 2026

Jax Sanford

The El Dorado City Council met Thursday night, Sept. 10, with discussions ranging from airport improvements and outdoor recreation to public comment procedures and the city’s partnership with South Arkansas College.

The meeting began with the council welcoming Dr. Ayo Eluwole, a cardiologist who has opened his own clinic in El Dorado.

Eluwole, who said he prefers to go by Dr. Joy, explained that “Ayo” means “joy” in his native language. He is originally from Southwest Nigeria and has lived and worked in El Dorado for the past two years.

Eluwole said El Dorado has treated him well during his time in the community and described the city as a great place to call home.

Citizen raises concerns over last-minute agenda items

The council also heard from a community member during public comments.

The speaker raised concerns about items being added to City Council meeting agendas at the last minute. He pointed out that citizens who want to address an issue before the council may not have an opportunity to sign up for public comment if the issue was not included on the published agenda.

The council voted to allow him additional time beyond the designated five-minute public comment period so he could continue addressing his concerns.

He also discussed funding for maintenance of the city’s parks. He argued that the Parks and Recreation Board should not have to make individual financial requests for maintenance dollars and that those funds should instead be included as part of the Parks and Recreation Board’s budget.

Council considers approximately $1.1 million for airport improvements

The WINS Board also came before the council to request the reallocation of unused funds associated with improvements at the El Dorado Airport.

Approximately $490,000 remains from work completed on the airport terminal, while roughly $660,000 allocated for runway improvements remains available because the El Dorado Airport received a grant for those improvements.

Together, the unused funds total approximately $1.1 million.

The WINS Board is proposing that the money be redirected toward additional airport improvements, including general upkeep, drainage improvements and construction of another parking lot.

The request comes as airport usage has increased, with the existing parking lot reportedly beginning to overflow. Increased usage has been attributed in part to Contour Jet Services.

South Arkansas College discusses conference center agreement

Dr. Stephanie Tully-Dartez, president of South Arkansas College, also addressed the council.

Tully-Dartez presented information concerning the mutually beneficial agreement between the city and South Arkansas College for use of the South Arkansas College Conference Center. The current contract is set to expire in 2027.

During her presentation, Tully-Dartez also highlighted enrollment growth at South Arkansas College. She said the college has seen a 4% increase in enrollment for the current semester.

Tully-Dartez also spoke about the connection between the college and the El Dorado community. She noted that many students spent their first Sunday after moving into the dorms attending local churches, which she said demonstrated how students are becoming involved in the community.

Tully-Dartez also gave updates on the construction of Bill Howard Ballpark, noting incredible progress on the project. She says that information on season tickets and general information should be available in October.

Council approves application for outdoor recreation grant

Michael Rogers of MR Design appeared before the council to present a resolution seeking approval to apply for an outdoor recreation matching grant through the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.

The proposed grant would support the development and improvement of outdoor bike trails throughout El Dorado, including trails around Maddox Park, Old City Park and Lions Club Municipal Park.

According to the presentation, the grant would reimburse the city for half of the project’s cost. The project is intended to improve outdoor recreation opportunities and quality of life for residents.

Councilman Andre Rucks questioned Rogers about whether the proper channels and procedures were being followed in connection with the proposed projects.

Rogers confirmed that the appropriate procedures were being followed.

The City Council unanimously approved the resolution authorizing the city to apply for the grant.

The next Parks and Recreation Board meeting is scheduled for Sept. 22 at noon, where additional information about the proposed outdoor recreation projects is expected to be available.

Hospital Tax Board ordinance

The council also discussed the Hospital Tax Board ordinance.

The second reading of the ordinance occured, and the third reading and final passage are scheduled to take place at the next El Dorado City Council meeting.