News

EL DORADO SCHOOL BOARD ADJUSTS CALENDAR BY A VOTE OF 4-1

Published

4 months ago

January 30, 2026

Sandy Sanford

EL DORADO, AR – Snow, ice, sleet, freezing rain and hazardous driving conditions postponed what was supposed to be a special called meeting of the El Dorado School Board. Citing the previous conditions, the meeting was moved to Thursday evening at the District Office. On behalf of Hannah Cardin, Superintendent Jim Tucker presented to the Board, an option that would move the District closer to a school year calendar that many experts in education and development say is better for student learning retention and minimizes faculty burnout. Previously the District had polled parents and faculty about the possibility of moving to a calendar with a shorter Summer break and more breaks throughout the school year.

THE PREVIOUS ATTEMPTS

Prior to implementing the 2025-2026 School Year calendar, the District had polled educators and parents, finding more than 50% of parents favored the change and 76% of teachers were in favor of it as well. However, the Board voted against it 4-3.

Then, prior to approving the 2026-2027 calendar, the District again reached out to faculty and parents. Again, more than half of the parents who responded to the polls favored the alternative calendar and 73% of the staff agreed. Prior to a vote, the board heard from local citizens. One of those was Chester Passmore, a local pastor, father and mentor who had thanked the Board for their service but then criticized them for their lack of transparency in denying the calendar change. Equating it with denying a spousal request and then giving zero explanation as to why. The Board also heard from Jessica Webb, a Dyslexia Interventionist for the District. She explained that although teachers are contracted for 7.17 hours, they often work 8–10 hours daily. Students, she argued, benefit from more frequent breaks, and evidence shows alternative calendars reduce absences. Webb shared a personal example of missing school for a doctor’s appointment because it couldn’t be scheduled during spring break, stating that Calendar A was about sustainability rather than convenience. The Board again voted the alternative calendar down 4-3.

A NEW APPROACH

In an effort to make an incremental change, the Board heard from Superintendent Tucker about the change for the upcoming 26-27 school year. The proposal would have faculty returning the last week of July for training and students beginning classes the first Monday in August (August 3rd.) This would have students beginning classes one earlier than August 12th, as originally scheduled. However, what would have been a Friday/Monday holiday for students in October, would now be a full week break, October 12th – 16th. Students will still enjoy a week-long Thanksgiving break, more than two weeks for Christmas, a Friday/Monday break during February, Spring Break in March, another Monday break in April and the final day of classes for the 2026-27 school year would be May 26th.

THE DISCUSSION

After Mr. Tucker highlighted the minor differences in the previously approved calendar versus the iteration being presented, Board Member Wayne Gibson asked if this new calendar took into account things like the current five-day hiatus from classes because of weather. Mr. Tucker explained that the District is required to have students in attendance for “X amount” of minutes per day. He said with the District’s current time schedule, the students may not have to make up any of the missed time. Mr. Tucker said he would be getting with his local principals to make sure of that. Board member Kenneth Clemons who had previously voted against calendar changes asked about teachers who already had late July vacation plans. Mr. Tucker assured him that any teacher who had verifiable plans that were already paid for, the District would work with those teachers individually to make sure they were not penalized by the District. Board Member Vicky Dobson asked for public comment and when there was none, they moved to a vote. This time, the measure passed by a vote of 4-1, with Dobson, Gibson, Clemons, and Renee Skinner all voting in favor of the measure, while Susan Turbeville was the lone vote against it. District 4 Board Member Keith Smith and District 7 Board Member Todd Whatley were not in attendance.

SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT BOUNDARIES

At the behest of parents and district employees, the El Dorado School District has posted a map of current district boundaries. That map can be found here.

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News

El Dorado Man Faces Charges After SWAT Standoff

Published

20 hours 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

20 hours 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

20 hours 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

20 hours 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.

Event Details

What: Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth
When: Tonight, June 4
Where: First Financial Music Hall at Murphy Arts District, El Dorado
Dinner Service: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $50 per person plus fees and taxes
Seating: Limited availability

News

Farmers Market On The Square Celebrates Growers Month

Published

20 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Main Street El Dorado is inviting families to kick off June with fresh produce, local vendors and a creative activity for children during this week’s Farmers Market on the Square.

As part of Growers Month, the market will welcome local artist Pam Vernon for a free watercolor class designed especially for children. The class will take place Saturday, June 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., offering young artists an opportunity to explore their creativity while learning the basics of watercolor painting.

The activity is free and open to children attending the market with their families.

The Farmers Market on the Square is held every Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon on Jefferson Avenue near the Union County Courthouse in downtown El Dorado. The market features a variety of local growers, farmers, artisans and vendors offering fresh produce, homemade goods, plants and other locally sourced products.

Main Street El Dorado officials say Growers Month is a celebration of the farmers and producers who help supply fresh, locally grown products to the community throughout the season.

Families are encouraged to come early, shop the market and participate in the watercolor class while enjoying a morning in downtown El Dorado.

The event provides a fun and educational opportunity for children while supporting local growers and small businesses that make the Farmers Market a community favorite each summer.