News
J.W. MISENHEIMER STRENGTHENS CONTENT DEPARTMENT, JOINS SOUTH ARKANSAS NOW!
EL DORADO, AR – South Arkansas Now, along with its parent company ArkLaTex Digital, LLC, is excited and proud to announce the addition of J.W. Misenheimer to its content creation department.
J.W. Misenheimer brings with him a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a reputation for exceptional storytelling. His body of work and commitment to integrity have earned him recognition across the region, making his decision to join ArkLaTex Digital a significant milestone for the company.
“Clearly, the addition of someone of J.W.’s caliber, someone who brings with him the knowledge and experience of following a story, means we are about to reach the next level. Like I told him today, when we finished meeting, I couldn’t be more excited about the future of South Arkansas Now,” said B.A. “Sandy” Sanford, President and CEO of ArkLaTex Digital. “He understands the heart of a story and the responsibility that comes with telling it well.”
Grant Merrill, Co-Owner and Content Director for ArkLaTex Digital, echoed that enthusiasm. “He’s a storyteller, plain and simple. His work is, without question, some of the best I have ever seen. His integrity can never be called into question. Frankly, this was a coup for us.” Sanford agreed, saying, “J.W. was being highly sought after and had other offers on the table. We are humbled and proud he chose to join our staff. I really believe our viewers and readers will notice his impact immediately!”
With Misenheimer joining the team, South Arkansas Now continues its commitment to delivering compelling, trustworthy, and community-focused content across the region. His arrival signals an exciting new chapter for the organization as it expands its storytelling reach and editorial depth. At a little more than a year old, South Arkansas Now has taken it’s spot atop the region’s sources for news, weather, sports, local events, and live coverage. “If anyone had told me a year ago that South Arkansas Now would regularly bank 60,000+ unique viewers to the site each month and more than three-quarters of a million views on our social media pages each month, I would have probably laughed and wished it could be true. Yet, here we are! That is purely because we all take our responsibility to this site very seriously.” Merrill said. Misenheimer joins the staff with Merrill, Sanford, and General Sales Manager Jax Sanford, along with various other stringers and part-timers.
J.W. may be best known for his unique and in-depth reporting style he became known for while at Region 10 News. It was there he met his wife, Scarlett Gully Misenheimer. The couple resides in Union County with their son, Kai. J.W. is also owner of Misenheimer Media, a company that focuses on photography and videography for corporate or special events, including weddings, proms, graduations, birthdays, headshots and more. In addition, Misenheimer Media offers graphic design, social media and brand management.
For more information about South Arkansas Now and ArkLaTex Digital, LLC, visit southarkansasnow.com. For more information on Misenheimer Media, click here.
News
Warmer Temperatures On Tap This Week
EL DORADO – South Arkansas is settling into another stretch of warmer-than-average weather as a mild pattern takes hold across the region this week.
According to the National Weather Service in Shreveport, temperatures across South Arkansas climb into the mid to upper 70s during the daytime, with a few locations pushing into the lower 80s. Skies remain variable, with periods of mid- and high-level clouds moving in and out through the day.
The warmer trend continues overnight, with lows staying mild compared to recent weeks. Fog and low clouds are expected to develop near daybreak, especially during the early morning hours, and this pattern is likely to repeat for the next several days.
Motorists are urged to use caution during the morning commute as patchy fog could reduce visibility in some areas. Overall, the extended forecast points to continued mild temperatures and generally quiet weather conditions across South Arkansas as the new week gets underway.
News
El Dorado School Board Meets Tonight
EL DORADO – The El Dorado School District Board of Directors will hold its regular monthly meeting on Monday, February 9, at 6 p.m. at the district’s Central Office Board Room.
The meeting is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend.
During the meeting, the board will recognize Students, Teachers, and Classified Employees of the Month from El Dorado High School and the Middle School. El Dorado High School honors include Student of the Month Sadie Buchanan, Classified Employee of the Month Brecken Perry, and Teacher of the Month William Andy Butterfield. El Dorado High School Principal John Jameson will also present a campus report.
Middle School recognitions include Student of the Month Keaton Nixon, Classified Employee of the Month Carlos Caver, and Teacher of the Month Andrew McDaniel, followed by a report from Middle School Principal Kasey Porchia.
Board members are scheduled to approve minutes from meetings held January 15 and January 29, consider monthly bills for payment, and review the district’s Errors and Omissions Insurance policy renewal.
The board will conclude the meeting with an executive session to discuss personnel matters.
News
February Agenda Set For El Dorado City Council
EL DORADO – The El Dorado City Council will hold its regular council business meeting on Thursday, February 12, with several items scheduled for discussion related to city operations, utilities, and appointments.
The meeting begins at 4:55 p.m. with the prayer and pledge, followed by the council meeting at 5 p.m. City officials will call the meeting to order, welcome the public, conduct roll call, and consider approval of meeting minutes.
Under unfinished business, council members will consider an amendment to the 2026 City Council operating rules. The agenda also includes a second reading of an ordinance that would change the city council meeting schedule. In addition, Robert Edmonds is scheduled to address the council regarding industrial park property.
New business items include consideration of the 2024 Water Utility Audit, presented by Logan Adams. The council will also review Civil Service Commission appointments presented by Toddy Pitard, with Roy Bullock and Don Johnson listed among the proposed appointments.
The meeting will conclude with any remaining old business. The session is open to the public, and residents are encouraged to attend to stay informed on city matters.
News
Fundraising Effort Underway For Family’s Loss After House Fire
EL DORADO – A Union County family is receiving an outpouring of community support after losing their home in a fire this week.
According to the Union County Boys and Girls Club, Club CEO David Lee and his family lost their home in a fire on Tuesday. Officials confirmed that everyone escaped safely and no injuries were reported.
In a statement, the organization expressed gratitude for the concern shown by the community and asked that the family’s privacy be respected as they begin the recovery process. The family also shared appreciation for the thoughts and prayers offered during this difficult time.
West Side Baptist Church in El Dorado said it has already seen overwhelming support for the Lee family and is helping coordinate assistance efforts. The church is accepting financial support on behalf of the family and is also working with local partners to provide additional help and resources.
To donate to the efforts, click here:
Community members interested in serving in other ways are encouraged to reach out to West Side Baptist Church or The CALL in Union and Calhoun Counties.
Local leaders and residents continue to rally around the family as they begin rebuilding after the loss.
News
Parent Teacher Conferences Scheduled This Week For El Dorado Schools
EL DORADO – Parents and guardians across the El Dorado School District are reminded that Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for this week.
Conferences will be held tomorrow, Tuesday, February 10, and again on Thursday, February 12, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at all district schools. The conferences provide families an opportunity to meet with teachers, discuss student progress, and address any academic or classroom concerns.
To accommodate the conference schedule, all El Dorado School District campuses will dismiss students early at 2:00 p.m. on both days. Families are encouraged to make necessary transportation arrangements ahead of time.
District officials say participation in conferences plays an important role in supporting student success and strengthening communication between home and school.
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