News

El Dorado Students Shine on National Stage as District Reports Continued Staffing Momentum

Published

2 months ago

July 15, 2026

Jax Sanford

EL DORADO, AR — The El Dorado School Board convened on Monday, July 13, 2026, for a meeting that balanced pride in extraordinary student accomplishment with optimism regarding the district’s staffing stability for the upcoming academic year.

A National Showcase for El Dorado Talent

The evening began on a high note as Board President Clemmons called the meeting to order, immediately turning the floor over to Mrs. Katie King. Representing the Gifted and Talented/Beta Club programs, Mrs. King presented a glowing report on the Retta Brown GT Beta Club members who recently returned from the National Beta Club Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.

The highlight of the report was the historic election of Lillian Geurin as National Beta Club Vice President. Her victory on June 23 was the culmination of a months-long campaign that began at the state level in January. Following her speech on the national stage and a rigorous interview process, Geurin successfully campaigned among members from 44 states to secure the seat. The district also lauded the team effort behind her success, particularly the student-produced original campaign skit, which integrated song and dance to earn a 4th-place national ranking.

The academic and artistic prowess of the district was also on full display, with students earning prestigious top-10 national placements after advancing through state competitions and grueling online preliminary exams:

Joseph Marquez placed 7th in the nation in Spanish.
Boston O’Neal placed 10th in the nation in Social Studies.

Chloe Lee placed 5th in the nation in Quilling.

Knoa Aplin placed 5th in the nation in Color Photography.

Also Pictured is Isabella Ezell with Jewelry Design

In addition to these top placements, the delegation from El Dorado represented the district across a wide spectrum of disciplines, including painting, photography, pottery, jewelry design, and various collaborative team events such as “Reimagine, Recreate, Recycle” and “Meeting of the Minds.”

“Throughout the convention, our members represented the El Dorado School District with excellence, leadership, creativity, and school pride,” Mrs. King noted, reflecting on a broad roster of student participants who competed in academic, visual, and performing arts categories.

Investing in the Future: 2026-2027 Personnel Outlook

Following the student presentations, Assistant Superintendent Melissa Tucker provided a comprehensive personnel update that highlighted a period of steady growth and increased stability for the district.

Mrs. Tucker reported that for the fourth consecutive year, the district’s teacher turnover rate has declined, a trend that suggests a strengthening culture of retention within ESD. As the district gears up for the 2026-2027 school year, they have successfully onboarded 44 new teachers, with 22 of those recruits bringing experience from other districts.

The district’s “grow your own” philosophy was a major theme of the report:

El Dorado Promise: Nine of the new hires are graduates of the El Dorado Promise program. These former students have chosen to return home to launch their careers, effectively reinvesting their education back into the community that supported them.
Internal Advancement: In a testament to internal professional development, five former paraprofessionals have successfully earned the credentials necessary to step into lead teaching roles within the district.

Finally, Mrs. Tucker introduced a new initiative designed to bridge the gap between high school and college while supporting elementary learners. Through a national grant, eight high school seniors will serve as tutors for elementary students. In addition to gaining valuable pedagogical experience, these students will receive a monthly stipend of $390 and a $1,600 scholarship to be applied toward their freshman year of college.

As the district prepares for the transition into the new school year, the dual success of its students on the national stage and the stabilizing trend of its workforce provided a clear theme of growth and commitment for the El Dorado School District.

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Boys & Girls Club Launches Youth of the Year Fundraiser Featuring $1,345 Jewelry Giveaway

Published

7 hours ago

August 31, 2026

Sandy Sanford

EL DORADO, AR – The Boys & Girls Club of Union County is giving the community an opportunity to support local youth while also taking a chance at winning a stunning piece of jewelry valued at $1,345.

As part of the organization’s Youth of the Year Fundraiser, the Boys & Girls Club is raffling off a Milanese mesh sterling silver and 14K gold bangle bracelet featuring 15 round-cut lab-grown diamonds with a total weight of 0.40 carats. The bracelet has been generously donated by Murphy-Pitard Jewelers. Tickets for the giveaway are $10 for one ticket or $40 for five tickets, giving participants an affordable way to support the Boys & Girls Club and enter for the chance to take home the bracelet.

Tickets can be purchased by scanning the QR codes included on the fundraiser flyer, with separate codes available for purchasing one or five tickets. The winner will be drawn during the Youth of the Year Banquet on September 29. Participants do not have to be present to win.

The Youth of the Year program recognizes and celebrates outstanding young people who demonstrate leadership, character and a commitment to their community. Funds raised through the campaign help support the Boys & Girls Club and its mission of providing local youth with opportunities to learn, grow and succeed. The Boys & Girls Club encourages the community to participate in the fundraiser and help “Build a Brighter Future” for the young people of Union County.

One ticket could turn into a $1,345 prize, while every ticket helps support local kids.

Featured

How to Watch El Dorado Wildcat Football Live on South Arkansas Now

Published

3 days ago

August 28, 2026

Jax Sanford

Football Friday is here, and South Arkansas Now is bringing you live coverage of El Dorado Wildcat Football as the Wildcats travel to take on the Magnolia Panthers in Magnolia, AR.

Fans who can’t make it to the stadium can watch the game live in three different ways:

South Arkansas Now: Watch directly at https://southarkansasnow.com/san-live-stream/southarkansasnow.com
Facebook: Follow the South Arkansas Now Facebook page for the live broadcast. https://www.facebook.com/southarkansasnow
YouTube: Watch the game live on the South Arkansas Now YouTube channel. https://youtube.com/@southarkansasnow?si=-aQ3zFuoRpEFGLcc

Your Broadcast Team

Leading the call from the booth will be Jax Sanford, the voice of the Wildcats, handling play-by-play for South Arkansas Now’s live broadcast.

Joining Sanford in the booth will be Blake Cunningham, who will make his debut as the broadcast’s Color Commentator. Cunningham will bring additional insight and analysis throughout the game as the Wildcats battle the Panthers. Cunningham is a 2017 Wildcat graduate. A dual-sport athlete in high school, Cunningham was a star Wide-Receiver for the Wildcat Football team and middle infielder for the baseball team.

Behind the scenes, South Arkansas Now President and CEO Sandy Sanford will be producing tonight’s livestream.

The production team also includes Angie Parker, Mark Cook, Brittney Haynes, Elizabeth Haynes, and Peyton Tolbert, who will be working the cameras throughout the night to bring fans all the action from the field.

The Jason Hardy State Farm Pregame Show begins at 6:30 p.m., with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.

Whether you’re at the stadium or watching from home, South Arkansas Now has you covered for all the action as the El Dorado Wildcats take on the Magnolia Panthers.

Pregame: 6:30 p.m. | Kickoff: 7 p.m.

Featured

TUSK: The Classic Tribute to Fleetwood Mac performs at First Financial Music Hall on August 29th!

Published

4 days ago

August 27, 2026

Jax Sanford

El Dorado, AR (Aug 27, 2026) – The Murphy Arts District is excited to welcome TUSK: The Classic Tribute to Fleetwood Mac to the First Financial Music Hall on Saturday, August 29th. Doors open at 6:30pm with the concert starting at 7:30pm. Tickets can be purchased at eldomad.com and at the MAD box office at 101 East Locust Street. Ticket prices range from $20- $65 plus additional service fees. Tickets can also be purchased at the door day of show.

Playing the hits and deep cuts spanning the career of Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame group Fleetwood Mac, Tusk has been crisscrossing the country since 2008 as The Classic Fleetwood Mac Tribute. Five pro musicians turned into masters of their trade through decades of individual music study, live performance, creative risk and devotion to the art. TUSK features note-perfect renditions of both the solo and full band songs, with each member specializing in one of the core lineups of Fleetwood Mac (Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, Christine McVie, John McVie, and Mick Fleetwood). They possess an electric stage presence that can only come from well over a decade touring together. Truly the best at what they do, TUSK is unmatched in their tribute to one of the greatest bands of all time.

The MAD box office is open Monday – Friday from 9:30am – 5:00pm and is located at 101 East Locust Street in El Dorado. Tickets may be purchased by web, on location, or by phone at 870-444-3007. Please visit eldomad.com for additional information.

News

SENATOR TOM COTTON IN UNION COUNTY TODAY

Published

4 days ago

August 27, 2026

Sandy Sanford

EL DORADO, AR – Arkansas’ Junior U.S. Senator, Tom Cotton (R-Russellville) made a quick stop in Union County this morning, stopping at the Lawson Volunteer Fire Department and personally thanking the first responders whose quick and tireless work, extinguished the Pine Tree Road Wildfire. The fire, which has been recorded as the largest in the State of Arkansas in more than 60 years, devoured nearly 2,300 acres of woodlands. “Not a single Arkansan lost their life, not one single home fell to the ground either.” Cotton said, in his statement to the crowd on hand for the private ceremony. Cotton also said the miraculous statistics were not just an answer to prayer but a testament to the leadership of local officials and the courage of the first responders.

In addition to the first responders and county officials, Senator Cotton took a moment to thank the congregation of Lawson Baptist Church and their pastor, Don Travis. He thanked them collectively for, “aiding in the response efforts by offering up their facilities for all of you who were fighting the fire.” For the full speech, you can see the video attached to this story.

After the speech, the ceremonies moved inside where the Senator then handed official recognition awards to those parties he had previously thanked.

Award being given to Pro Med Ambulance

Award given to Union County Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Bruce Goff

Pastor Don Travis of Lawson Baptist Church

Union County Judge Mike Loftin accepted recognition on behalf of the Union County Road Crews and a second award made by the Senator to the County Judge for his efforts in leading and coordinating the response

Union County Sheriff Charlie Phillips, along with administration from the Sheriff’s Office, accepted the award on behalf of the Sheriff’s Department Employees who assisted in the fire response.

The Lawson / Urbana Fire Department accepted an award for the all of the volunteer firemen who worked around the clock.

The whole group posed for one big picture

News

FALL SPORTS REGISTRATIONS GOING ON NOW

Published

1 week ago

August 24, 2026

Sandy Sanford

EL DORADO, AR – The Boys & Girls Club of Union County is gearing up for another season of youth athletics, with registration now open for its 2026 Flag Football League and Girls Volleyball Season. Both programs are designed to give local children an opportunity to participate in organized sports while developing teamwork, sportsmanship and other skills that extend beyond the playing field.

Flag Football Registration Open

The Boys & Girls Club’s 2026 Youth Flag Football League will feature three co-ed age divisions:

Kindergarten through 2nd grade
3rd and 4th grade
5th and 6th grade

The registration fee is $80 per player, and registration closes September 19, 2026. The regular season is scheduled to run from October 12 through November 19, with playoff dates to be announced. The league offers young athletes the opportunity to get on the gridiron in a non-contact environment while building skills and learning the fundamentals of football.

Girls Volleyball Season

Registration is also underway for the Boys & Girls Club’s 2026 Girls Volleyball Season. Volleyball will be offered in three age groups:

Kindergarten through 2nd grade
3rd and 4th grade
5th and 6th grade

The registration fee is $80, with registration also closing September 19, 2026. The regular volleyball season is scheduled for October 12 through November 19, with playoff information to be announced at a later date. The program gives girls an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of volleyball while developing teamwork, confidence and sportsmanship in a competitive but youth-focused environment.

How to Register

Parents and guardians can register their children using the QR codes included on the Boys & Girls Club promotional materials. For additional information about either program, contact Club Athletic Director Dominique Turner at (870) 863-8753, ext. 106. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County – Arkansas is an equal opportunity provider.