EL DORADO — Residents interested in helping shape the future growth and development of El Dorado have an opportunity to serve their community through the city’s Planning & Zoning Commission.

The City of El Dorado is currently accepting applications from individuals interested in serving on the commission, which plays a key role in reviewing development proposals, zoning matters, land use requests, and long-range planning initiatives that impact the community.

City officials say serving on the Planning & Zoning Commission is a meaningful way for residents to become involved in local government and help guide decisions that affect the city’s future.

Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. on July 13, 2026.

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Anyone interested in applying or learning more about the position is encouraged to contact City Clerk Heather McVay. Applications and additional information are available by calling 870-881-4877 or 870-814-9179, or by emailing [email protected].

The City of El Dorado encourages qualified residents who are passionate about their community and interested in civic service to apply before the deadline.

EL DORADO— The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed a new addition to the local business community with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Cove Counseling and Wellness Center.

Chamber representatives, community members, and supporters gathered to celebrate the opening of the center and recognize its commitment to providing counseling and wellness services to residents throughout the area.

The Chamber congratulated The Cove Counseling and Wellness Center on its opening and expressed its support for the organization’s efforts to serve individuals and families in the community.

Mental health and wellness services continue to be an important resource for many residents, and community leaders say the addition of The Cove Counseling and Wellness Center expands access to support and care in El Dorado and Union County.

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The center is now open and accepting appointments.

Individuals interested in learning more about available services or scheduling an appointment can contact The Cove Counseling and Wellness Center at 501-566-4803.

The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce encourages residents to support local businesses and organizations that contribute to the health, well-being, and quality of life of the community.

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EL DORADO — Residents across South Arkansas should remain alert for the potential of flash flooding today and tonight as multiple rounds of heavy rainfall move through the region.

The National Weather Service in Shreveport has placed much of South Arkansas under a risk for excessive rainfall, with forecasters warning that prolonged periods of heavy rain could lead to flash flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

Union County, including El Dorado, is currently included in a Marginal Risk area, while counties farther south and east are under a Slight Risk for flash flooding. Forecasters say any location that experiences repeated thunderstorms could quickly receive significant rainfall totals.

Rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are expected across portions of the region, with localized areas potentially seeing even higher totals where storms repeatedly move over the same locations. Rainfall rates could reach 1 to 3 inches per hour during the heaviest downpours.

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Meteorologists say areas within the Slight Risk zone have at least a 15% chance of experiencing flash flooding within 25 miles of any given location.

The greatest concerns include flooded roadways, rapidly rising creeks and streams, and water accumulating in low-lying areas. Drivers are urged to use caution and never attempt to drive through flooded roads.

Emergency officials recommend monitoring weather forecasts throughout the day and being prepared to take action if a Flash Flood Warning is issued.

The threat is expected to continue through tonight as additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms develop across the Four State Region.

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Forecasters stress that while not everyone will experience flooding, locations that receive multiple rounds of heavy rain could see dangerous conditions develop quickly.

MAGNOLIA – Southern Arkansas University is pleased to announce that Dr. C. Neelie Dobbins has been named Dean of the College of Education and Human Performance (CEHP), effective July 1, 2026. Dr. Dobbins assumes the role following more than 15 years of leadership at SAU, including nearly a decade as chair of the Department of Teacher Education and a career marked by significant growth in educator preparation and the development of innovative clinical partnerships across southern Arkansas.

“Dr. Dobbins brings a strong commitment to student success and excellence in educator preparation, with a clear focus on workforce readiness and innovative program development,” said Dr. Robin Sronce, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “Her leadership reflects Southern Arkansas University’s mission to provide a high-quality, accessible education while preparing graduates to meet the evolving needs of employers and communities across the region. We are confident she will build on the college’s momentum and lead it to even greater impact.”

Dr. Dobbins began her career at SAU in 2010 as a faculty member in the Department of Teacher Education and currently holds the rank of professor and the College of Education and Human Performance Alumni Endowed Professorship. She has taught widely across the educator preparation programs and earned a reputation as a faculty-focused leader who helps turn challenges into practical solutions that support students and strengthen programs.

She holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education from Walden University, an M.Ed. in Mathematics Education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and a B.S. in Mathematics with a minor in Education, also from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Before joining SAU, she served as a State Mathematics Specialist for central Arkansas school districts, where she led professional development and instructional coaching for teachers and school leaders.

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One of Dr. Dobbins’ most significant accomplishments has been the growth of SAU’s Master of Arts in Teaching program. Since becoming director in 2012, she has helped expand the program from a cohort of ten candidates to approximately 200 candidates each year, making it one of the university’s largest and most impactful graduate programs.

Dr. Dobbins has also played a central role in transforming educator preparation at SAU. Along with colleagues, she has helped secure more than $3 million in external funding, including $2 million through Forward Arkansas Innovation Grants. These investments supported the development of SAU’s Rider Residency program, a paid yearlong educator residency that strengthens partnerships with school districts across southern Arkansas. The success of the Rider Residency has positioned SAU as a model for state and national conversations about how universities and school districts can work together to strengthen educator pipelines and better prepare graduates for the profession.

Dr. Dobbins has served as the College’s Accreditation Coordinator since 2017 and most recently led SAU’s Educator Preparation Provider to full five-year AAQEP accreditation in 2025. Her broader professional service includes work as a Lead Reviewer for AAQEP Quality Review Teams, a CAEP reviewer for educator preparation programs nationwide, and Co-Editor of the Arkansas Association of Teacher Educators peer-reviewed journal. She is a Past President of the Arkansas Association of Teacher Educators, and most recently, she was instrumental in securing Southern Arkansas University as the host site for the 2026 National Field Experience Conference and was invited to deliver a co-keynote address highlighting SAU’s innovative work in educator preparation.

Among her recognitions at SAU, Dr. Dobbins has received the SAU Honor Professor Award (2026), the College of Education and Human Performance Alumni Endowed Professorship (2020), the SAU Service Award (2017), the SAU Teaching Award (2015), the Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award (2013, 2015), the 212 Graduate School Award (2014), and the Phi Delta Kappa Emerging Leader Award (2011).

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“Leadership, at its core, is about creating the conditions for others to do their best work. Across my career at SAU, that belief has shaped how I lead and how I measure success, not by personal accomplishment, but by the strength of the people and systems that support our students. It is an honor to serve as dean, and I look forward to working with faculty, staff, students, and partners to build on the strong foundation already in place. Stepping into this role is a privilege, and I am committed to leading the College with integrity, purpose, and collaboration,” said Dobbins.

The College of Education and Human Performance offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs across three departments: Counseling and Professional Studies; Human Performance and Sport Sciences, and Teacher Education. The College prepares educators, counselors, coaches, athletic trainers, exercise science professionals, and other practitioners whose work strengthens schools and communities throughout the region.

CALION, Ark. — A growing Calion tradition will return this summer as residents rally around a beloved community member undergoing cancer treatment.

The second annual Boat Poker Run in Support of Debbie Hudson will take place Saturday, June 27, at the Calion Spillway. Organizers say all proceeds from the event will go directly to Hudson’s family to help with treatment and other related expenses.

Residents describe Hudson as a maternal figure within the Calion community and someone who has consistently encouraged others to pursue their goals. She is often regarded as one of the community’s biggest cheerleaders — or “hype girls” — because of her enthusiasm for Calion and her desire to see local residents succeed.

Assistant event coordinator Holly Hudson and event coordinator Katie Gibbons are helping organize the fundraiser and bring the community together in Debbie Hudson’s honor.

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Registration will take place from 8 to 9:30 a.m. on the day of the event at the Calion Spillway. The first boat will depart at 10 a.m., and the final boat must return by 3 p.m.

Stops will be positioned along the river before participants finish back at the spillway.

The entry fee is $20 per hand, with all payments due in cash on the morning of the event. Organizers emphasize that proceeds will be given directly to the family to assist with the financial costs associated with Hudson’s care.

The fundraiser will continue later that evening with a Baggo tournament beginning at 5 p.m. Registration for the tournament will cost $40 per team, with additional details about its location expected to be announced.

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Supporters may also purchase official poker run shirts. Profits from the shirt sales will also go directly to Hudson’s family.

Organizers hope the event will provide meaningful financial support while also showing Hudson how much she means to Calion and the surrounding community.

Additional updates are available through the event’s Facebook page. Questions may be directed to Katie Lyn Gibbons.

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