Connect with us

News

El Dorado men sentenced on firearms charges

Published

on

EL DORADO — Three El Dorado men have been sentenced in the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas for federal violations related to possessing illegal machine guns. The cases stem from investigations by the El Dorado Police Department, with arrests occurring in 2022 and 2023, and highlight the growing concern over the use of illegal firearm conversion kits.

Mark Oliver Wade, 23, was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. His case began in April 2022 when officers executed a search warrant at a local apartment complex to locate Wade, a wanted individual. During the search, law enforcement uncovered a stolen firearm and another weapon modified to fire in fully automatic mode. In March 2023, officers conducted a traffic stop that led to the arrest of Markayleo Alonzo James, 22, who was found in possession of a firearm converted to fully automatic. James received a 24-month federal prison sentence and three years of supervised release. Another traffic stop in May 2023 resulted in the arrest of 23-year-old Inshiqaq Qalam Qiyama II, who also possessed an illegally modified firearm. Qiyama was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison with three years of supervised release.

United States Attorney David Clay Fowlkes emphasized the dangers of illegal firearm conversion kits, stating that these devices, often referred to as Glock switches, pose significant risks to law enforcement and civilians. “These weapons are hard to control and can cause massive property damage and potential loss of life,” Fowlkes said. He added that the Department of Justice remains committed to prosecuting individuals who possess illegal automatic weapons to ensure the safety of communities across Western Arkansas.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

News

Hotter Temps, Thunderstorms Expected Today

Published

on

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.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

El Dorado Seeks Applicants for Historic District Commission Seat

Published

on

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.

Advertisement

The city welcomes diverse applicants and encourages anyone passionate about El Dorado’s history and community development to step forward and apply.

Continue Reading

News

Ouachita County Library Announces Summer Reading Program Schedule

Published

on

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.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

Victim Identified In Highway Seven Fatal Wreck

Published

on

 

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.

Advertisement

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.

Continue Reading

News

Missing Senior Found! Silver Alert Cancelled!

Published

on

EL DORADO, AR – El Dorado Police had issued a Silver Alert for a 73 year old female, whom family members say, may be suffering from dementia. The woman who was described as African-American, about 5’5″ and 150 lbs was reported missing by family around 8 P.M. on Thursday June, 12th. Officers did find the missing woman about 1:00 A.M. on Friday, June 13th.

According to LT. Trey Phillips with the El Dorado Police Department, the Silver Alert was cancelled and the woman is safe at home with family.

A Silver Alert is a public notification system designed to aid in locating missing seniors or individuals with developmental or cognitive disabilities, particularly those at higher risk. It’s similar to the Amber Alert for missing children, but focuses on vulnerable adults. In Arkansas, the Silver Alert system is administered by the Arkansas State Police, who works in conjunction with local emergency and law enforcement departments to get the message out to the public.

Continue Reading

Obituaries

Sports

Across The Region

ESD

ESD

Archives

Trending

Copyright © 2025 Arklatex Digital LLC