EL DORADO – Spring-like warmth will make a return to South Arkansas today, with temperatures climbing into the mid-60s under pleasant conditions. However, a shift in the weather pattern is on the way, with an approaching storm system set to impact the state over the weekend.

By Friday, brisk winds will develop across Arkansas, with the highest gusts expected in central and northern portions of the state. These winds will precede a period of isolated rain and thunderstorms, which are forecast to move through much of the state beginning Saturday and lasting through midday Sunday.

Overall, rainfall amounts will remain limited across Arkansas, but the heaviest precipitation totals are expected in southwestern and south-central parts of the state. Forecast estimates indicate that these areas could see between 0.5 to 1 inch of rainfall, while other locations may only receive light showers.

Residents are encouraged to stay updated on the latest forecasts as the weekend storm system develops.

EL DORADO – The El Dorado School District will open Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-2025 school year on April 22 using an online enrollment system. Parents and guardians are encouraged to gather all required documents in advance to ensure a smooth registration process. All documents must be uploaded through PowerSchool for enrollment to be finalized.

To register, families should visit eldoradopublicschools.org and navigate to Enroll My Student > Kindergarten Registration. The process begins with completing a Google Form, after which families will receive a PowerSchool account link to finalize registration and submit the necessary documents. Both the Google Form and PowerSchool registration forms must be submitted for a child to be fully enrolled.

The required documents include a birth certificate, Social Security card, immunization records, and proof of residency within the district (such as a current utility bill). A current physical exam is required for all incoming kindergartners but does not need to be submitted until the school year begins in August.

For families needing assistance, registration kiosks will be available at the El Dorado School District Central Office on the following dates:

• April 22 – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• April 23 – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• April 24 – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• April 25 – 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Additionally, computers for registration are available at the local library.

Sibling registration will take place Thursday, April 17, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Families who submitted paperwork by March 17 will receive an email confirmation on the morning of April 17.

For more information or assistance with the registration process, families are encouraged to visit the district’s website or contact the El Dorado School District Central Office.

EL DORADO – Thespian Troupe 42 is gearing up for its 2nd Annual Theatre Camp Fundraiser on Friday, April 18, 2025, at the EHS Auditorium. Open to students in grades 2-8, this exciting event invites young performers to explore the world of theatre through singing, acting, and dance.

For a $50 registration fee, participants will engage in theatre games, skill-building exercises, and a high-energy creative experience. The camp begins with registration at 8:30 AM and concludes with a special performance for families at 5:30 PM. Throughout the day, attendees will learn from Troupe 42 members, who will guide them through engaging workshops designed to spark their passion for the performing arts. Lunch and snacks are provided for all participants.

The fundraiser supports Troupe 42’s upcoming trip to the International Thespian Festival (ITF) this summer, helping students gain invaluable experience in the world of theatre. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Interested participants can sign up online at this link. For more information, contact Hannah Davis (hannah.davis@esd-15.org) or Ruth Griffin (ruth.griffin@esd-15.org).

CAMDEN – The Camden Regional Chamber of Commerce is bringing a night of luxury, excitement, and high-stakes bingo to the community with its exclusive Design Handbag Bingo Night on Friday, April 26, 2025. Set to take place at the Camden Country Club from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM, this event promises an evening of glamour, prizes, and unforgettable fun—strictly for the ladies.

This is not your typical bingo night. Instead of cash prizes, winners will take home designer handbags, making this event the perfect blend of style and chance. Whether you’re a seasoned bingo player or a first-timer, all guests are guaranteed a lively evening filled with laughter, camaraderie, and excitement. Organizers encourage participants to gather their closest friends for a girls’ night out like no other.

With space limited, the Chamber urges interested attendees to stay tuned for ticket information and secure their spots as soon as they become available. This highly anticipated event is set to be the must-attend celebration of the spring season. Don’t miss your chance to combine fun, fashion, and luck in one dazzling evening!

EL DORADO – Severe thunderstorms swept through South Arkansas late Tuesday morning, bringing damaging winds, large hail, and widespread power outages. The National Weather Service issued Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for Union, Columbia, Ouachita, and Calhoun Counties just before 10 AM, as storms intensified across the region. Reports from El Dorado indicated winds reaching 70 mph, along with hail up to one inch in diameter. The powerful winds knocked down trees and power lines, causing hazardous conditions for motorists and residents. The storm’s rapid movement left little time for preparation, as heavy rain and intense lightning strikes accompanied the severe weather.

Power outages quickly became widespread as the storms pushed through. The SouthArkansasNow.com offices in northern El Dorado lost electricity at 10:27 AM, and multiple viewers reported similar outages across Union County. According to Entergy Arkansas, numerous power failures in Union and Columbia Counties left hundreds of customers without electricity, with restoration efforts expected to take several hours. Emergency crews worked to assess damage while utility companies dispatched teams to restore service as quickly as possible. Residents were urged to use caution when traveling, as fallen power lines and debris made some roads impassable.

Beyond South Arkansas, the storm system continued its destructive path into northern Louisiana and east Texas, triggering Tornado Warnings for areas including Texarkana, Shreveport-Bossier City, and east of Minden. Officials warned residents in these areas to take shelter as radar-indicated rotation suggested possible tornado development. The threat of additional severe weather remained through the afternoon as forecasters monitored storm activity. Emergency management officials encouraged residents to stay informed through local weather alerts and to be prepared for additional power outages and potential flash flooding.