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Investments, legislative audits, and a packed agenda brought to the El Dorado mayor and city council

Published

1 year ago

February 14, 2025

Staff Reports

South Arkansas College President Dr. Stephanie Tully-Dartez addressed the El Dorado City Council during their latest meeting.

Image above: South Arkansas College President Dr. Stephanie Tully-Dartez addressed the El Dorado City Council during their latest meeting.

This is Part One in a series covering the most recent El Dorado City Council Meeting: From huge announcements about investments into the city to the latest findings by the legislative audit, Mayor Choate and Council wade through packed agenda.

EL DORADO – The El Dorado Mayor and City Council met in regular session Thursday evening and while the agenda didn’t look like “more than the usual,” it was packed full of information. Following the prayer, led by Ward Three Alderman Willie McGhee, and the pledge of allegiance, Mayor Paul Choate reminded the audience that the city’s offices would be closed on Monday, February 17th for the Federal Holiday of President’s Day. He also reminded them that non-emergency services like sanitation would run one day later next week.

13 WAYS TO KILL YOUR COMMUNITY

The Mayor and City Council recently attended the Arkansas Municipal League’s 2025 Winter Conference. One of the speakers at this meeting was Doug Griffiths, who along with Kelly Clemmer, penned a humorous political book called “13 Ways To Kill Your Community.” The book begins with the line, “Let’s suppose you have a really ambitious goal in life – you want to kill your community! You want to drive away people, eliminate jobs, undermine businesses, and you won’t quit until the whole place is in ruins. Don’t know how to go about it? You’re in luck – here is a handy manual, chock-full of proven ideas, for the up-and-coming town wrecker. This is the book for you!” The book goes on to chapters like: “Don’t Have Quality Water,” “Ignore Your Youth,” “Don’t Cooperate,” “Live In The Past” and so on. All meant to be a funny take on what NOT to do if you want your community to grow. Mayor Choate said he was so impressed with the speech by Mr. Griffiths, that he decided to purchase the book for all eight of the council members. Each member found a copy sitting in front of them when they arrived for the meeting. The books were purchased locally at the bookstore 1988 on the Union County Square.

EL DORADO WINS

The third and final reading of two required ordinances prior to the voters decision on the city’s proposal to continue a one percent sales tax and using the funds to further progress and operate the city were next on the agenda. Those readings, normally, are a formality for any entity. However, Ward Three’s other Alderman, Andre Rucks spoke and said, “I want to go on the record because people have been asking me why I am voting no to these readings on this tax. I am a progressive minded person and actually I love the tax. What I am wanting to point out is that the distribution of those dollars needs to be discussed.” He also added, “We still have $24 Million that we have collected from the current tax and now we are asking voters to continue or put a new tax in place of that one for another $60 Million. We need to be sure how that is allocated.” Rucks thanked the Mayor for a recent discussion the two of them had that Rucks said, “It was two hours of really talking, not arguing, just talking. I see where he (the Mayor) is coming from and he knows where I am coming from and I just want us to be sure that those in charge of distribution are listening to everyone in the community and not just the elites. We need to know the heart of the board. Because those members of the board handing that money out may not have been raised the way you were. I want to be sure they have a heart for the masses.” The Mayor followed Rucks’ comments with a heartfelt thanks to the alderman, saying, “Mr. Rucks is right, we did have a good two hour discussion and I want to say to you Mr. Rucks, I appreciate you and I appreciate your attitude.” The two ordinances were then entered into the record for a third and final time. The Mayor and Council reminded the audience of three upcoming town hall style meetings the El Dorado WINS committee has planned.(1) Thursday, February 18th at El Dorado’s Municipal Auditorium beginning at 6:00 p.m. (2) Wednesday, February 26th at the El Dorado Conference Center beginning at 6:00 p.m. (3) Thursday, March 6th at the Murmil Education Center beginning 6:00 p.m.

HUGE INVESTMENTS, BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE

Next on the agenda, the Council heard from Sara Coffman of the El Dorado Works Board. This is the entity in charge of bringing to the Council items for which they wish to use funds generated from a previously approved 1% sales tax.

Coffman said the Board had a “fun meeting Tuesday night.” Adding that they too had a packed agenda. Coffman presented the Council with their first request for $27,500 to have a “Master Plan” drawn up for the City’s Parks and Playground Commission. That item was approved unanimously 7-0 with Ward Two Alderman Vance Williamson being absent from the meeting.

The Board then recommended to the Council, for their approval, of $51,000 to the El Dorado – Union County Chamber of Commerce. An annual amount the city has previously approved, aiding the Chamber in their outreach efforts in marketing the city to prospective commercial and industrial partners. Kaitlyn Rigdon, the Chamber’s Economic Development Project Manager made herself available to the Council for questions. Alderman Rucks asked her, “So, this $51,000, what is it used for?” Rigdon said the monies were generally allocated towards the Chamber’s efforts in reaching out to potential employers, advertising and marketing the available properties in the city and county. She also said that a portion of the money was used on projects the Chamber is working in conjunction with the State of Arkansas and their economic development teams. “We currently have eleven on-going projects with the State and some of that money is being earmarked towards those projects.” Retiring Chamber President and CEO, Bill Luther, was in attendance and he said, “The Chamber always has a number of ongoing projects with the State but per their regulations we aren’t allowed to discuss those.” Rucks followed up with a question, “What is the Chamber doing for the youth? Are we talking to bowling alleys or anything geared toward the youth in the community?” Luther said, “That is always a top priority for us.” He then pointed to the addition of the play zone known as Excalibur and their services for the young of the community.” That request was funded by unanimous vote.

Coffman then moved to a request for almost $6 Million to South Arkansas College to expand their current stadium facilities construction project from a standard collegiate baseball stadium to a Diamond Sports Stadium. The term is a distinction that separates normal run-of-the-mill baseball parks from facilities that have multiple uses. The Mayor pointed the Council to a copy of the proposal, which was put together by South Arkansas College President Dr. Stephanie Tully-Dartez. Tully-Dartez initially served in the interim role as President beginning in the 2023-24 school year, then in July of 2024 accepted the position and removed the interim title. She and her husband, Shawn, moved to El Dorado in 2007 and she has held numerous positions with the college since 2009. Tully-Dartez made herself available to the Council and was met with immediate praise for her presentation she had made to the El Dorado Works Board. Ward One Alderman Jill Weinischke said, “I am ready to submit a motion now for approval of this.” Ward Four Alderman Buddy McAdams said, “You may have to fight me for the right to make this motion, this is exciting and I think it is a fabulous plan.” McAdams also said, “We would be remiss if we didn’t mention that the first $10 Million for this project is coming from Murphy Oil. So here, we have an opportunity to partner with private dollars and make this more than just a stadium but an economic draw for our community.” Council Members asked Tully-Dartez if this meant the facility would be available for more than just college baseball with this new designation. “Absolutely!” Tully-Dartez said, “We think the idea of having high school or Boys and Girls Club teams playing on a college field will be great for them and the community.” She said, in her estimation, the facility would be available for more than just baseball games. “I think we could see flag football games, cheer competitions and more. As a matter of fact, I saw where the University of Arkansas’ Baseball complex was recently rented out for a wedding, so we could have weddings there too!”

COMING TOMORROW ON SOUTHARKANSASNOW.COM: $25 Million in Construction? According to South Arkansas College, that is what they are currently working on. The Council also had more funding requests, as well as, the Mayor’s Constitutionally Required State of City Address and Updates on the State’s Legislative Audit Findings.

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El Dorado Man Faces Charges After SWAT Standoff

Published

15 hours 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

15 hours 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

16 hours 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

16 hours 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.

Event Details

What: Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth
When: Tonight, June 4
Where: First Financial Music Hall at Murphy Arts District, El Dorado
Dinner Service: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $50 per person plus fees and taxes
Seating: Limited availability

News

Farmers Market On The Square Celebrates Growers Month

Published

16 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Main Street El Dorado is inviting families to kick off June with fresh produce, local vendors and a creative activity for children during this week’s Farmers Market on the Square.

As part of Growers Month, the market will welcome local artist Pam Vernon for a free watercolor class designed especially for children. The class will take place Saturday, June 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., offering young artists an opportunity to explore their creativity while learning the basics of watercolor painting.

The activity is free and open to children attending the market with their families.

The Farmers Market on the Square is held every Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon on Jefferson Avenue near the Union County Courthouse in downtown El Dorado. The market features a variety of local growers, farmers, artisans and vendors offering fresh produce, homemade goods, plants and other locally sourced products.

Main Street El Dorado officials say Growers Month is a celebration of the farmers and producers who help supply fresh, locally grown products to the community throughout the season.

Families are encouraged to come early, shop the market and participate in the watercolor class while enjoying a morning in downtown El Dorado.

The event provides a fun and educational opportunity for children while supporting local growers and small businesses that make the Farmers Market a community favorite each summer.