CAMDEN – The Ouachita County Sheriff’s Department has announced that Highway 7 North is now closed from Highway 79B all the way to the Dallas County line, following heavy rainfall and rising water levels in the area.

The closure was reported by the Arkansas Highway Department, which cited hazardous conditions along the stretch of roadway. Local authorities are urging residents and travelers to avoid the area entirely and seek alternate routes until further notice.

“We’ll continue to share updates as we receive more information,” the sheriff’s department stated in a release Saturday. “Please stay safe and alert while traveling.”

No timeline has been given for when the road may reopen, as crews assess the situation and wait for floodwaters to recede. Motorists are encouraged to monitor official channels for the latest updates and to exercise caution on all roadways during ongoing storm conditions.

Advertisement

CAMDEN — Multiple streets across Camden experienced flooding Saturday following heavy rainfall, causing travel delays and prompting safety warnings from city officials.

According to a statement from the City of Camden, the northbound lane of California Avenue developed flooded spots between Walmart and Police Drive. Additionally, partial flooding was reported at the Trace crossing near the Jefferson Street intersection.

Fairview Road near the Camden Sportsplex was also affected by partial flooding, while Washington Street saw extensive issues. Only one lane was passable between Cleveland Avenue and Gaughan, and both sides of Washington Street were under water from the Westgate Shopping Center to the Garden Oaks Shopping Center.

Flooding also occurred along Harrison Avenue between Jefferson and Washington, and on Mt. Holly Road in the area surrounding Steel Deals.

Advertisement

South Adams Street faced partial to full flooding in the southbound lane, stretching from Downtown to Greater St. Paul Church. Elm Street, particularly in the area near Greater Love Church, was also under water and marked as an area to avoid.

Cheyenne Road, located off Old Wire Road, experienced creek overflow across the roadway, and Lakeview was underwater, though it remained passable at the time.

As of the latest update, all previously flooded areas have drained off. However, some slight pooling remains on Washington Street in front of the Westgate Shopping Center and near Generations Bank.

City officials continue to monitor road conditions and urge drivers to use caution when traveling through low-lying areas.

Advertisement

EL DORADO — Students across the El Dorado School District took part in observances and educational activities Tuesday in recognition of World Autism Awareness Day, an annual event dedicated to increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism.

From classroom lessons to themed dress-up days and awareness walks, schools throughout the district engaged students in meaningful dialogue about what it means to be inclusive, compassionate, and informed. Teachers also used the opportunity to educate students on the diversity of the autism spectrum and the importance of creating a supportive community for individuals with autism and their families.

World Autism Awareness Day was first established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007 and has been observed every April 2 since 2008. The initiative was introduced by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser of Qatar and adopted without a vote, signaling overwhelming global support for a day dedicated to raising awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The resolution, officially titled Resolution 62/139, called for increased global attention to autism and recognized the importance of early diagnosis and intervention, as well as the need to improve the quality of life for individuals with autism. The day also aims to foster inclusion and highlight the talents and unique contributions of people on the autism spectrum.

Advertisement

Each year, the observance is supported by various global campaigns. One of the most recognizable is “Light It Up Blue,” a movement launched by the advocacy organization Autism Speaks. Landmarks and buildings around the world are lit in blue on April 2 to show solidarity and support.

In 2012, the United Nations broadened its focus with the theme “Launch of the Autism Speaks Global Autism Public Health Initiative,” highlighting the growing international concern over autism and calling for a collaborative response in health care, education, and community support systems.

EL DORADO — A vibrant new tradition is blooming in downtown El Dorado this spring, as the El Dorado Downtown Business Association (DBA) proudly presents the first-ever Masterpiece Picnic, scheduled for Thursday, May 1, 2025, in the scenic Murphy Arts District.

The outdoor evening event promises an unforgettable blend of gourmet food, local art, live music, and community connection — all set against the backdrop of downtown El Dorado’s cultural hub.

Attendees will be treated to a gourmet picnic dinner crafted by some of the city’s most beloved downtown restaurants, offering a curated culinary experience that reflects the soul of El Dorado’s dining scene.

But the culinary fare is just the beginning.

Advertisement

One of the evening’s highlights will be a live auction of hand-painted picnic tables, each one transformed into a unique work of art by talented local artists. These tables are not only functional but also collectible — giving guests the opportunity to take home a true “masterpiece” while supporting a great cause.

Proceeds from the Masterpiece Picnic will benefit the DBA’s ongoing mission to enhance and promote a thriving, vibrant downtown district for both residents and visitors.

Live music by The Boomer Hill Band will set the mood as guests dine under the stars, creating an atmosphere of celebration and community spirit.

“This event brings together everything we love about El Dorado — great food, incredible art, and a strong sense of community,” said DBA President Brandy Kyle. “We hope it becomes a beloved annual tradition.”

Advertisement

Get Involved

Sponsorships and tickets for the Masterpiece Picnic are available now, with seating limited and demand expected to be high. Multiple sponsorship levels are available, offering both businesses and individuals a unique way to support the revitalization of downtown El Dorado.

To learn more or secure tickets:

• Email Brandy Kyle at: eldodbapresident@gmail.com

• Call The Diamond Agency at: (870) 862-1010

• Or purchase online at: Eventbrite – Masterpiece Picnic

MAGNOLIA – Senior Sah’Myah Holloway of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, was awarded Southern Arkansas University’s first Renda Henry Memorial Scholarship in Social Work.

“I want to thank Dr. Wilson, SAU Foundation, and future donors for allowing this scholarship to honor Ms. Renda and inspire future students and me to keep going,” Holloway said.

With a spring 2025 graduation date approaching, Holloway will not be slowing down soon. She aims to pursue a master’s degree and become a licensed clinical social worker, obtain a doctorate, and open her own office in the future. While her classes at SAU have laid a strong academic foundation and provided hands-on experience in a nurturing environment, the Renda Henry scholarship has validated Holloway’s dreams, boosted her confidence, and alleviated financial stress for her family.

According to Holloway, one of the unexpected surprises of SAU’s social work program is that it “brings you people that you never knew you needed.”

Advertisement

For many, SAU alumna Renda Henry was one of those people.

Henry was a nontraditional graduate of the Southern Arkansas University social work program. A light in her community, she strove daily to make sure the basic needs of others were met. She fed the people in her community, listening and providing words of encouragement to them. Henry worked closely with her church’s ministry and, on most evenings and Saturdays, could be found sorting through donated items or making deliveries for those in need.

According to friend and peer Shea Wilson, Henry “exemplified the mission of social work.” Wilson, from Bearden, Arkansas, graduated with Henry, both receiving bachelor of arts in social work degrees from SAU in 2018.

Renda Henry

Advertisement

Henry envisioned herself in a practice serving those with substance abuse and addiction issues. When Henry’s cancer returned, her health prevented her from fulfilling this dream during her lifetime, but her spirit has continued through the Renda Henry Memorial Scholarship, established by SAU Professor of Psychology Dr. Deborah Wilson.

“When I was notified that Sah’Myah Holloway was the recipient of Renda’s scholarship, I was over the moon!” Dr. Wilson said. “To have known both Renda and Sah’Myah as students, I know they would have been friends because they are so much alike–both caring, kind, always smiling, and positive attitudes! It’s just an incredible feeling to see how beautifully this all came together.”

The scholarship fund was established through the SAU Foundation by Dr. Deborah Wilson in memory of Renda Henry to support a student majoring in Social Work. Recipients must be full-time undergraduate students with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA or greater and accepted into the Social Work Program. Preference is given to nontraditional students and students with financial need who are not fully funded in another way or by another scholarship.

If you would like to donate to the Renda Henry Memorial Scholarship in Social Work fund, please visit www.saufoundation.org.

Advertisement