CAMDEN – The Ouachita River is approaching water levels not seen in decades, leading to significant flooding in Ouachita and Calhoun counties. Officials report that the river at Camden is expected to crest near 43 feet late today, surpassing the 1987 flood levels and marking the highest crest since 1968.

At 42.5 feet, residential flooding is already occurring in parts of both counties, and numerous road closures have been reported. This stage mirrors the December 1987 flood, which was previously the highest on record since the construction of regional flood control reservoirs.

In Arkadelphia, the Ouachita River recently crested at 27.95 feet, placing it among the top ten recorded crests and the highest since 1969. That year, the river peaked at 28.02 feet, making the current rise especially significant in the historical record.

The Ouachita River has a history of major flooding. In May 1968, the river crested at 43.08 feet in Camden, causing widespread damage. The most severe flood on record occurred in 1945, when the river reached 44.8 feet. These past events highlight the seriousness of today’s rising waters.

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The flooding has already led to road closures and the inundation of homes in low-lying areas. Emergency responders are actively monitoring the situation and are prepared to implement further safety measures as needed. Residents have been urged to follow all official guidance, including potential evacuation orders.

With sunny skies and mild weather expected in the coming days, there is some hope that river levels may stabilize soon. Still, communities along the Ouachita River are being reminded to remain cautious and alert, as upstream water flow and any future rainfall could further impact conditions.

EL DORADO — Local leaders and community advocates gathered on the steps of the Union County Courthouse today to officially declare April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, shining a spotlight on the urgent need to protect and support vulnerable children throughout South Arkansas.

The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce joined members of the South Arkansas Children’s Coalition (SACC) for the reading of the proclamation, honoring the tireless work of those on the front lines of child abuse prevention and recovery services.

“Witnessing the dedication of the SACC team, who stand on the front lines combating child abuse, leaves us in awe,” the Chamber stated following the event. “Their work is both vital and challenging, addressing the harsh realities faced by vulnerable children in our community.”

As a member organization of the Chamber, SACC has built a reputation for advocacy, crisis intervention, and family support services throughout Union County and surrounding areas. Their mission includes not only immediate response and support but also education and long-term solutions to prevent abuse before it happens.

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“This month, and every month, we stand in support of their mission to prevent child abuse and provide essential services to affected families,” the Chamber continued.

Throughout April, SACC and its partners will lead a series of awareness activities and encourage residents to get involved—whether by volunteering, donating, or simply learning more about the signs of abuse and how to report concerns.

Community members are encouraged to visit SACC’s website and follow their social media pages to stay informed and discover ways to help make a difference.

“Together, we can foster a safer environment for all children in South Arkansas,” the Chamber said.

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For more information about local child abuse prevention efforts or how you can contribute, contact the South Arkansas Children’s Coalition or the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce.

EL DORADO — El Dorado High School hosted its annual Academic Signing Day on Tuesday, recognizing the Class of 2025’s college-bound seniors and celebrating the continued impact of the El Dorado Promise—a scholarship program that has transformed access to higher education for local students for nearly two decades.

Now in its 18th year, the El Dorado Promise provides tuition assistance for graduates of El Dorado High School to attend any accredited college or university in the United States. Funded by Murphy Oil Corporation, the initiative has opened pathways to higher education for thousands of students since its launch in 2007.

Tuesday’s event also served as a moment of clarity and reassurance amid persistent rumors about the program’s longevity.

“You know that rumor that pops up every year about the Promise potentially going away? Well, that’s just a rumor,” said Tiffany Hurley, Director of the El Dorado Promise. “In fact, it actually expanded last year to include technical certificates at South Arkansas College. This opens doors for even more students to access higher education and the endless possibilities it brings. We are especially thankful to Murphy Oil Corporation and all those who have supported the El Dorado Promise. Together, we are continuing to change lives and build a stronger community through education.”

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Murphy Oil Chairman Claiborne Deming echoed that commitment, pointing to the company’s broader support for educational growth in South Arkansas, including a major investment in college infrastructure.

“We’re committed to further endeavors in this region reflected by the company’s recent $10 million gift to South Arkansas College to enable construction of the downtown, state-of-the-art college baseball stadium as well as a new residence hall,” Deming said. “This dorm will be the first for South Arkansas College, but it certainly won’t be the last. Our best wishes are for you the seniors to work hard, graduate from the school of your choice, and come back to this wonderful area. There are extraordinary opportunities here and we need you to make them happen.”

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders was on hand to address students and staff, paying tribute to Deming’s vision and the long-term impact of the El Dorado Promise.

“I want to thank Claiborne Deming, who some people don’t realize is the architect of the El Dorado Promise,” Sanders said. “He’s one of the only people I know who is innovative and passionate about education and just a touch crazy to come up with this idea and convince other people to join him.”

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The El Dorado Promise covers up to the highest in-state tuition at a public Arkansas university for any EHS graduate who has been continuously enrolled from at least ninth grade. The scholarship has helped boost graduation and college enrollment rates while creating a ripple effect of economic and community development across the region.

EL DORADO – The El Dorado City Council will convene for its regular business meeting on Thursday, April 10, with a brief but potentially impactful agenda that includes two resolutions related to Delta Regional Authority (DRA) funding.

The meeting will begin at 5 p.m. at City Hall, following the customary prayer and Pledge of Allegiance at 4:55 p.m.

Among the new business on the agenda is a resolution that would authorize the city’s chief elected official to sign an application for DRA funds. The Delta Regional Authority provides federal funding and technical assistance for economic development and infrastructure projects in economically distressed areas of the Mississippi River Delta region, including southern Arkansas.

A second resolution will propose designating a local non-profit agency to serve as the administrator for any DRA grant funds the city may receive. While the specific agency has not been named in the draft agenda, such appointments are typically made to streamline grant compliance and project oversight.

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No items of unfinished business are currently scheduled, and the council is expected to approve minutes from the previous meeting before moving on to the new business items.

City officials have not yet released details about the specific project or initiative tied to the potential DRA grant application, but more information may be provided during the meeting or in subsequent updates from city staff.

The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

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