EL DORADO — El Dorado High School has announced its delegates for the 2026 Arkansas Boys State and Arkansas Girls State programs, recognizing students selected to participate in two of the state’s premier leadership and citizenship programs.

The students will represent El Dorado during the annual summer programs sponsored by the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Selected as 2026 Arkansas Girls State delegates are Yakenia Aaron, Rosalie Alatorre, Ke’Asia Brice, Aileen Chen, Avelyn Chen, A’Khiya Elliott, Lilly Hyde, Aaliyah Jackson, Trinity Jones, Emma Kelley, Sarahy Mendoza, Addison Moore, Clair Wade and Janijah Wafers. Makayla Pope and Alexis Willis were also selected but were not pictured.

Chosen as Arkansas Boys State delegates are Abraham Aguiluz, Gus Askea, Ignacio Chavez, Jackson Gibson, Garrett Johnson, Cortland Lee, Jackson Lee, Mason Moore, Harrison Lowry, Landon Parks, Victor Marquez, Braylon Robinson, Samuel Singleton, Tacoby Vanhook and Ryder Rambo. Ari Urbina was also selected but was not pictured.

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Arkansas Girls State and Arkansas Boys State are leadership and government education programs designed to teach high school students about civic engagement, public service and how local and state government operates.

During the weeklong programs, students participate in mock government exercises by forming cities, counties and state governments while campaigning for offices, debating legislation and learning about the responsibilities of citizenship and leadership.

Arkansas Girls State is sponsored annually by the American Legion Auxiliary, while Arkansas Boys State is organized through the American Legion. Both programs have a long history nationwide and are considered among the most respected student leadership opportunities in the country.

Many past participants in Boys State and Girls State programs across the United States have gone on to careers in public service, law, business, military leadership and education.

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School officials congratulated the students on their selection and recognition as representatives of El Dorado High School.

EL DORADO — Community members gathered Thursday morning at the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce to honor Vance Williamson for his years of service and leadership in the community.

The reception, hosted by the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce, was held from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. at the Chamber office. Organizers invited residents and business leaders to attend and thank Williamson for his commitment, vision, and dedication to El Dorado.

In promotional materials for the event, organizers praised Williamson’s impact on the community and recognized his leadership efforts

EL DORADO — The National Weather Service in Shreveport is warning residents across the Four State Region to prepare for multiple rounds of heavy rainfall from now through the Memorial Day holiday weekend, raising concerns about possible flash flooding in parts of the region.

According to the National Weather Service, a “conveyor belt” of upper-level disturbances is expected to move across the region through Monday, bringing repeated chances for showers and thunderstorms capable of producing excessive rainfall. Forecasters said while it will not rain continuously throughout the entire period, several waves of storms are expected to develop, with periods of heavy rainfall possible each day.

Meteorologists said the repeated rainfall over several days could lead to flooding concerns, especially in low-lying areas, locations with poor drainage, and areas that receive repeated rounds of thunderstorms.

The Weather Service is urging residents to closely monitor forecasts and remain alert for potential Flash Flood Warnings through the upcoming weekend and Memorial Day.

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Officials also reminded drivers to avoid traveling through flooded roadways, noting that water-covered roads can quickly become dangerous.

EL DORADO — South Arkansas College honored several faculty and staff members during its annual Employee Recognition Ceremony this week, including recognizing one longtime employee for five decades of service to the institution.

Amanda Rhodes was named SouthArk’s Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year. Kelly Goodwin and Ashley Dougan were also recognized as outstanding faculty members for their respective divisions.

Chelsey Turner received the college’s Outstanding Staff Member of the Year honor. Paul Caldwell and Allison Dolden were also recognized as finalists for the award.

Among the ceremony’s most notable recognitions was a milestone honor for Dr. Carolyn Langston, who was commended for 50 years of employment at South Arkansas College.

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According to the college, Langston was the first employee hired in 1975 when the institution opened as a branch campus of Southern State College, now known as Southern Arkansas University.

South Arkansas College has since grown into a comprehensive community college serving students across South Arkansas through academic transfer programs, workforce training, technical education and adult learning opportunities.

College officials said the annual recognition ceremony celebrates the dedication, leadership and service of employees who contribute to the institution’s mission and student success.

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EL DORADO — The Boys and Girls Club of Union County has announced its clubs will be closed for one week ahead of the start of its annual summer programming.

According to the organization, all club locations will be closed Monday, May 25 through Friday, May 29.

The Boys and Girls Club of Union County said its Summer Camp program will officially begin on Monday, June 1.

The organization provides after-school and summer programming for children and teenagers throughout Union County, offering educational activities, mentoring, recreation and youth development opportunities.

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Summer programs at Boys and Girls Clubs typically include enrichment activities, games, field trips, educational programming and supervised childcare opportunities for students during the summer break.

Club officials encouraged families to prepare for the upcoming summer schedule as programming resumes in June.