News

El Dorado School Board considering move to year round calendar

Published

1 year ago

December 10, 2024

Jax Sanford

EL DORADO – The El Dorado School Board met this week and highlighted significant achievements within the district. However, the one subject that the Board is waiting to address, is the proposed changes to the school calendar for the 2025-26 School Year.

A motion to either accept or reject the calendar was before the board. Citing the need for more public input, the members chose to table the discussion and subsequent vote until their January 2025 meeting. The board encouraged further public feedback before the January 13, 2025 vote.

Board Member Todd Whatley specifically asked to hear from district parents and said he welcomes any phone calls at (870) 314-9219. (See editor’s note at end of the story)

Student of the Month: Greysi Diaz Perez

Washington Middle School’s Greysi Diaz Perez was named Student of the Month. Greysi, who entered the school with no prior knowledge of English, has worked tirelessly to overcome this challenge and excel. Teachers describe her as a student who “goes the extra mile” and spreads positivity to her peers. Her kindness and strong work ethic have made her a role model for others. Her parents, Humberto Diaz and Angela Perez, were also acknowledged for their ongoing support of Greysi.

Classified Employee of the Month: Trish Hicks

Trish Hicks, a paraprofessional with 22 years of experience, was honored as Classified Employee of the Month. Known for her dedication to students and her strong relationships with them, Trish was described as a “blessing to Washington Middle School.” The Board pointed out her hard work and commitment to student success are highly valued.

Teacher of the Month: Ethan Kelton

Ethan Kelton, a teacher at Washington Middle School, was recognized as Teacher of the Month. With dual bachelor’s degrees in Kinesiology Applied Science and Kinesiology in Physical Education from the University of Arkansas and eight years of teaching experience. Mr. Kelton teaches Science, leads the Archery Team, and is an active participant in student events, whether on the field, in the stands, or at theater productions. His dedication to his students both inside and outside of the classroom, as well as going above and beyond were just a few of the things pointed to by Superintendent Tucker and the Board.

Meeting Highlights

Principal’s Report

Bethanie Hale, Principal of Washington Middle School, shared several key updates during the meeting:

Innovative Programs: She highlighted the Kagan Structure challenge, which promotes active and collaborative learning.
Sonic Grants: Two teachers received Sonic Grants, allowing them to attend the renowned Ron Clark Academy for professional development.
Cowbell Celebrations: These celebrations are held when students master specific subjects, offering a fun and motivating way to celebrate academic achievements.
Attendance Improvement: Washington Middle School has seen a significant improvement in attendance this year, which Mrs. Hale emphasized is crucial to student success.
Teacher Recognition: Mrs. Hale also presented at a national conference in Orlando and noted several district teachers who have been highlighted by the State Education Board and are scheduled to present at upcoming educational conferences.

Proposed Changes to the 2025-2026 Calendar

The board discussed two potential calendars for the 2025-2026 school year, with a vote scheduled for January:

Traditional Calendar: A standard school schedule with 178 days.
Year-Round Calendar: Also with 178 school days but featuring more frequent and/or longer breaks throughout the year.

Key points from the discussion included:

Support for Change: Approximately 60% of the community supported the year-round calendar, while 76.5% of teachers voted in favor of the change.
Reported Benefits: Districts in Camden, Magnolia, and Hot Springs have already implemented the year-round schedule, citing improvements in attendance.
Childcare Solutions: Superintendent Jim Tucker addressed concerns about childcare, stating that the district will offer affordable childcare for students in grades K-6 at just $10 per day. Additionally, eight local childcare providers have agreed to offer “drop-in services” during breaks.
Flexibility: Mr. Tucker emphasized that the calendar is reviewed and voted on annually, allowing flexibility if the system does not prove effective.

EDITOR’S NOTE: (SouthArkansasNow.com is planning a virtual community forum in the coming days that will be available for live streaming and interaction. We will have more details about the forum soon.)

Stay updated on developments at SouthArkansasNow.com.

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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.

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

1 day 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.