News

“El Dorado WINS” Proposed to go to Voters

Published

1 year ago

January 14, 2025

Sandy Sanford

EL DORADO – The El Dorado City Council met in a regular meeting today at 10:00 A.M. That meeting, which was originally scheduled for last week, had been postponed because of the inclement Winter weather predicted for South Arkansas. Mayor Paul Choate welcomed the council and the crowd and explained that while the weather wasn’t as bad as anticipated, he wanted to err on the side of caution.

NEW MEMBERS AND THANKING FORMER MEMBERS

Mayor Choate also formally welcomed Jill Weinischke to her first meeting as the Alderman elected last year to represent Ward 1, defeating former Mayor and incumbent Alderman Frank Hash. The Mayor also welcomed back Alderman Andre Rucks for Ward 3. Rucks had previously served on the Council and after a two year absence made his return.

The Mayor also presented the Council with two resolutions, permanently placing in the city’s records an official “thank you” to Frank Hash and Roy Bullock for their service. Bullock had previously represented El Dorado’s Ward 3 on the most recent council. Those resolutions passed unanimously.

“WELL WORTH YOUR TIME”

Not only was Ward 1 Alderman Jill Weinischke sitting in her first meeting in her official role but was also mentioned by the Mayor about her upcoming free training on Narcan. Narcan, is a brand name of the over the counter medicine naloxone and is given to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. The Mayor said, “The training is fabulous, it’s to the point and really gets down to teaching what you need to know and I encourage anyone who wants to know more to be a part of that.” Ward 2 Alderman, Judy Ward, echoed the Mayor, saying the training, “is well worth your time.” Ward said the training generally takes about 45 minutes. Per literature available at the meeting, the training will take place Thursday January 23rd with a session at Noon and a second session at 5:30 P.M. The objectives of the training are listed as “What opioids are and how addictive they can be.” “How to use the nasal Narcan/Naloxone.” “How the Good Samaritan Law applies and protects you.” Also, the literature says that a free Narcan kit will be given to each participant at the end of training.

EVERYONE LIKES OPTIONS

Mayor Choate pointed the Council to their pre-prepared packets of information and asked them to review what he called a “Notice of Support.” These letters, which were prepared for the Council ahead of time, would show their intent to support two new fiber optic services offering to bring alternative internet sources to El Dorado. The Mayor said one of the major complaints his office regularly receives are citizens who complain that they don’t have options for internet service other than El Dorado’s Cable Service Provider, Optimum. The Mayor said the two companies were Right Fiber, which is based out of Jonesboro, AR and TCW Fiber, based out of Conway, AR. According to the Mayor both companies have expressed interest and he said, “I have looked at their plans and from a cost standpoint, they won’t hurt you.” He encouraged the Council members to read over the letters and if they were inclined to do so, sign the letters. “We want to offer our citizens options.” Mayor Choate said.

BRINGING THE ZONE INTO THE PRESENT

The Council heard from El Dorado Planning and Zoning Commissioner Devin Patterson. He presented them with a request to rezone two lots at the corner of North West Avenue and 19th street. Currently, according to Patterson, the lots are zoned as R-1 Residential lots and should be rezoned as C-2 General Commercial lots. “One lot is currently vacant and the other once was a law office.” Patterson told the Council. The lots in question are where the former fire sub-station once sat and the former law offices of Nolan and Alderson. Ward 1 Alderman David Hurst, who represents that area, asked if the lots were in the process of being sold or why the need for a change. Patterson said the lots were already being used when the City first adopted the current zoning and those lots were never addressed. Patterson said, “I have no information if they are selling or want to sell those lots, we are just trying to bring the zoning up to date.” The zoning request was approved unanimously but the resolution must be read before the Council three times before it can be officially put into action. After passing the vote of the Council, the first reading was done today.

EL DORADO WINS

The Council then yielded the floor to Ward 1 resident Greg Thomas who gave a brief history of two previous one-cent sales taxes in the city. The first one, El Dorado Forward, was approved by voters in 2007 and the revenue generated gave the city amenities like the Conference Center, a new Clubhouse at the Lion’s Club Golf Course, major upgrades to City Parks and the City’s Walking trail. In 2015, with the previous tax expiring, citizens then approved a one-cent sales tax called El Dorado Works. According to Thomas, the El Dorado Works revenue has been responsible for more than 20 miles of streets and improvements, four new baseball / softball fields at the El Dorado / Union County Complex, new walking and parking surfaces at other city venues and amenities like new Pickleball courts at Melor Park.That revenue stream is set to expire later this year.

Mr. Thomas presented the Council with a request for a new one-cent sales tax, called El Dorado WINS, to be voted on by the registered voters in the city limits and to have that election set for May 13th, 2025. The latest revenue stream would see allocations as follows”

25% for Parks & Recreation, expansion of current parks and more spaces made available for gatherings and events.
20% for Public Works, paying particular attention to streets, water and sewer.
20% for Public Safety, using those dollars for Police and Fire Services
20% for Future Development
10% for Economic Development
5% for South Arkansas College and their upkeep of the Conference Center.

Alderman Judy Ward pointed to a glaring difference in this request over previous ones. “I notice that we are setting aside 20% for Public Works but in the El Dorado Works budget, we have it set at 32%. Why are we cutting that when we are going to need to address aging water and sewer systems?” Audience member Don Hale stood and addressed the question saying the 20% for Future Developments is earmarked for just such instances saying that monies allocated to that category can be used for those issues.

The Council voted, after a brief discussion from both Ward 3 Aldermen Rucks and Willie McGhee. The vote was approved 7-1 with the lone vote against it being Alderman Rucks. The resolution had its first reading today as well.

PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE

The Mayor then directed the Council to their packets once again and asked them to choose a President Pro Tempore from among themselves. The vote was done by secret ballot and once collected and counted by City Secretary Heather McVay, it was determined Judy Ward had received the majority of the votes and would assume that role. The President Pro Tempore is to take charge of City Council meetings in the event the Mayor is not available to perform their duties. Mayor Paul Choate said, “Mrs. Ward, I will do my best not to M.I.A. on you.” to which the Council and those in attendance enjoyed a chuckle.

WRAPPING UP

The Council unanimously adopted the Arkansas Municipal League’s Rules of Order, the rules which dictate their actions and behavior on the Council and during the meetings. Following that vote there was an exchange between Ward 3 Alderman McGhee and the Mayor. However, there was no action required, requested or taken. The Council unanimously approved to adjourn and the meeting ended.

News

Calling the Hogs Event Draws Strong Crowd in El Dorado

Published

13 hours ago

June 5, 2026

J.W. Misenheimer

EL DORADO, Ark. — Razorback fans and community supporters packed the First Financial Music Hall at the Murphy Arts District Thursday evening for Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth, an event that brought together Arkansas sports stories, dinner, fellowship and fundraising.

The evening featured Chuck Barrett, the well-known voice of the Arkansas Razorbacks, who shared stories from his years behind the microphone and offered guests an inside look at some of the most memorable moments in Arkansas sports. Longtime Arkansas broadcaster and storyteller Rex Nelson served as Master of Ceremonies, helping guide the evening with humor, insight and plenty of Hog spirit.

The catered event, with dinner provided by Madhouse 101, drew a strong turnout, with venue tables filled throughout the evening. In addition to the program, guests also took part in an auction, where every auction item was sold.

Organizers said the event was a great success, bringing together Razorback fans, local supporters and community members for an evening centered on storytelling, sports nostalgia and South Arkansas hospitality.

Watch a quick highlight from the event!

News

El Dorado Man Faces Charges After SWAT Standoff

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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

2 days 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

2 days 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.