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Hairspray Highlights SAAC Theatre Schedule

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EL DORADO – The South Arkansas Arts Center (SAAC) is hosting a variety of engaging summer theatre opportunities designed to inspire creativity and nurture talent for all ages. The summer lineup includes a captivating community production of “Hairspray,” a beloved Penguin Project production, a dynamic 24-Hour Musical Camp for teens, and Youth Theatre Camp for younger students.
Auditions for the community theatre production of “Hairspray” will take place on May 12-13 starting at 6pm. Directed by local EHS theatre teacher and SAAC stage veteran Hannah Davis, “Hairspray” offers roles for 11 characters along with a large and lively ensemble. Also returning to SAAC is Ian Aipperspach, Ph.D., Visiting Assistant Professor of Music at Ouachita Baptist University, as the music director and band leader for the production.
“If you have ever wanted to step on stage, ‘Hairspray’ is the perfect show for you. It’s funny and colorful, yet also addresses important themes,” said Davis. Auditions are open to anyone aged 17 and older, with the exception of one role for ages 14 and up. Dancers are specifically encouraged to showcase their talents. Video auditions are welcome. Sponsored by Murphy USA, “Hairspray” will take the stage July 10-20.
Disney’s “The Lion King, Kids” will be featured as this year’s Penguin Project production. Penguin Project is a week-long summer camp focused on inclusive theatre, pairing artists with differing needs in grades 3-12 with peer mentors in grades 5-12 under the guidance of director Lynn Gunter and music director Cassie Hickman. An open call for participants to register will take place on Tuesday, May 13 beginning at 3:45pm, and there is no fee for participation.
Penguin Camp will be held July 26 to August 2, culminating in a public performance on August 2 at 2pm. “Each camp participant will earn 18-36 community service hours, but the real rewards go beyond that,” said Gunter. “Mentors will have the opportunity to build self-confidence in performers, especially those with special needs, helping them thrive on stage and form lasting friendships.”
New this summer at SAAC is 24-Hour Musical Theatre Camp for students entering grades 8 and up, which will present “Fiddler on the Roof, Jr”. Students can register now and submit a video audition by May 8 to director Gunter and music director Hickman. Camp will be held over an intensive two days, May 30 and 31, from 10 am to 8 pm, with the final performance beginning at 7 pm on Saturday. Tuition is $120. “With an emphasis on fun, I encourage you to register today!,” said Gunter. “The 24-Hour Musical experience will be like none other, working and playing right up til the 7pm show time!”
Youth Theatre Camp students entering Pre-K through 7th grade will journey “Into Oz” on June 2-6, culminating in a magical performance on Friday at 5pm. Under the leadership of Hannah Hickman and Cassie Hickman, participants will engage in dancing, acting, singing, and skipping down the yellow brick road. “This is an excellent opportunity for young participants to explore theatre without a long-term commitment,” said Hickman. Registration is open now, and tuition is $120.
Whether you are an experienced performer or a newcomer to the stage, SAAC’s summer theatre programs provide the perfect platform to develop your skills and create unforgettable memories.
For more information on auditions, camp details, or to register, please visit the South Arkansas Arts Center website at www.saac-arts.org or call SAAC at 870-862-5474.

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Hotter Temps, Thunderstorms Expected Today

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SHREVEPORT — The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a forecast for scattered thunderstorms expected to develop this afternoon across parts of the Ark-La-Tex region. Residents are urged to remain weather-aware, as brief heavy downpours and lightning may accompany these storms.

Today’s high temperatures are forecast to reach between 85 and 90 degrees, with southwest winds around 10 mph helping to fuel the unsettled weather conditions. The storms are expected to remain scattered, meaning not all areas will see rainfall, but localized storm activity could be strong at times.

The National Weather Service encourages residents to monitor local updates throughout the day and to take proper precautions if storms approach.

For the latest weather information stay with South Arkansas Now.

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El Dorado Seeks Applicants for Historic District Commission Seat

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EL DORADO — The City of El Dorado is currently seeking applicants to fill an open seat on the Historic District Commission, a vital committee responsible for preserving and promoting the city’s architectural and cultural heritage.

Community members who have an interest in historic preservation and city development are encouraged to apply. The Historic District Commission plays a key role in shaping the visual character of El Dorado’s historic areas and ensuring responsible stewardship of local landmarks.

The deadline to apply is Monday, July 14, 2025, by 5:00 p.m.

Those interested in serving can obtain more information by contacting City Clerk Heather McVay at 870-881-4877 or via email at cityclerk@eldoradoar.org.

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The city welcomes diverse applicants and encourages anyone passionate about El Dorado’s history and community development to step forward and apply.

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Ouachita County Library Announces Summer Reading Program Schedule

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CAMDEN — The Camden/Ouachita County Public Library has kicked off its 2025 Summer Reading Club with a lively lineup of educational and entertaining events aimed at engaging children and families throughout the summer.

Under the theme “Color Our World,” the program offers a wide variety of interactive presentations every Tuesday at 2:00 p.m., showcasing wildlife, storytelling, magic, and more. The schedule is designed to keep young readers inspired and involved during the summer break.

Here’s what’s coming up on the schedule:

  • June 18 @ 2:00 p.m. – Delta Rivers Nature Center will present a program featuring nature and wildlife.
  • June 25 @ 2:00 p.m. – Animalogy will bring a wide variety of animals for an up-close experience.
  • July 2 @ 2:00 p.m. – Marty Boone, also known as the Balloon Man, will perform a fun-filled magic show.
  • July 9 @ 2:00 p.m. – Bar-R Farms returns with a petting zoo that children are sure to enjoy.
  • July 16 @ 2:00 p.m. – Storyteller Cindy Phillips will close out the series with a performance of classic folk tales.

Earlier this month, Logoly State Park kicked off the program on June 11 with a presentation on reptiles.

All events are free and open to the public. The library encourages families across Ouachita County to attend and help foster a love for reading in children of all ages. For more information, contact the Camden/Ouachita County Public Library directly.

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Victim Identified In Highway Seven Fatal Wreck

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EL DORADO – An 81-year-old man from Smackover was killed Tuesday morning in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of State Highway 7 and Pershing Highway, according to the Arkansas State Police.

Huey Lane Green, 81, was pronounced dead at the scene following the collision, which occurred around 10:55 a.m. Green was driving a 2007 Pontiac eastbound and had pulled onto the shoulder at the intersection before attempting to make a left turn across the southbound lane of traffic. His vehicle was struck on the left side by a 2005 Chevrolet, also traveling south on Highway 7.

Two other individuals were injured in the crash. Tristen Dewayne Peebles, 22, of Camden, the driver of the Chevrolet, and Joey Allen Williams, 39, of Ward, a passenger in Green’s vehicle, were transported to South Arkansas Regional Hospital for treatment.

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Conditions at the time of the crash were clear and dry. Green’s body is being held at Young’s Funeral Home. Next of kin have been notified.

The crash remains under investigation by Arkansas State Police Trooper Logan Holmes.

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Missing Senior Found! Silver Alert Cancelled!

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EL DORADO, AR – El Dorado Police had issued a Silver Alert for a 73 year old female, whom family members say, may be suffering from dementia. The woman who was described as African-American, about 5’5″ and 150 lbs was reported missing by family around 8 P.M. on Thursday June, 12th. Officers did find the missing woman about 1:00 A.M. on Friday, June 13th.

According to LT. Trey Phillips with the El Dorado Police Department, the Silver Alert was cancelled and the woman is safe at home with family.

A Silver Alert is a public notification system designed to aid in locating missing seniors or individuals with developmental or cognitive disabilities, particularly those at higher risk. It’s similar to the Amber Alert for missing children, but focuses on vulnerable adults. In Arkansas, the Silver Alert system is administered by the Arkansas State Police, who works in conjunction with local emergency and law enforcement departments to get the message out to the public.

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