EL DORADO, Ark. — The El Dorado City Council will meet Thursday evening with several items scheduled for discussion, including a presentation to a state senator, infrastructure-related matters and a State of the City update.

The meeting is scheduled for March 12, with the evening beginning at 4:55 p.m. with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The council meeting will officially begin at 5 p.m.

Following the call to order, city leaders will welcome the public and make announcements. The agenda also includes a special presentation to Arkansas State Senator Matt Stone.

Council members will then conduct roll call and consider approval of minutes from previous meetings before opening the floor for public comments.

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Under unfinished business, the council is expected to hear an update related to the Historic District Commission from Justin Howard. Members will also consider a proposal involving Monroe Street that would convert the roadway to a one-way street. The item, presented by Retta Brown, will require a vote from the council.

Several items are listed under new business. Quan Moore will present information related to Entergy, while Police Chief Mosby is scheduled to discuss an ArAAGEMT affiliation agreement. City officials will also provide a State of the City report as part of the meeting.

The agenda includes time for additional matters under other business before the meeting concludes.

The next meeting of the El Dorado City Council is scheduled for April 9 at 5:15 p.m.

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EL DORADO — Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop across South Arkansas and the Ark-La-Tex region today, bringing the potential for damaging winds, large hail and isolated tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service in Shreveport.

Forecasters say the risk will begin this morning and increase through the afternoon before gradually ending later this evening. The greatest concern across much of the region will be strong wind gusts that could approach 70 miles per hour, along with hail that could reach the size of quarters or larger.

While the tornado threat remains relatively low, the National Weather Service says isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out as storms move through the area.

Much of Southwest Arkansas, Northeast Texas and all of Northern Louisiana are included in the severe weather outlook. The region is primarily under a slight risk for severe storms, meaning scattered severe thunderstorms are possible.

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Cities including El Dorado, Texarkana, Shreveport and Monroe fall within the risk area for today’s storms.

Meteorologists warn that damaging straight-line winds will likely be the most widespread hazard, capable of downing trees, damaging structures and causing power outages. Large hail could also accompany stronger storm cells.

Residents are encouraged to stay weather aware throughout the day and have multiple ways to receive warnings. Officials recommend monitoring the latest forecasts and making sure severe weather safety plans are in place in case warnings are issued.

The National Weather Service advises people to remain alert as storms develop and to be prepared to take shelter quickly if severe weather approaches.

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EL DORADO, Ark. — The City of El Dorado is seeking community members interested in serving on the city’s Advertising and Promotion Commission.

City officials announced that applications are currently being accepted for the commission, which plays a key role in promoting tourism, events and economic activity in the community.

Residents who want to be involved in helping guide marketing and promotional efforts for El Dorado are encouraged to apply. The commission works to support initiatives that highlight the city’s attractions, local businesses and community events.

Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on May 11, 2026.

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Individuals interested in serving on the Advertising and Promotion Commission can contact City Clerk Heather McVay to request additional information or receive an application.

McVay can be reached by phone at 870-881-4877 or 870-814-9179, or by email at [email protected].

City officials say the opportunity allows residents to play an active role in supporting the continued growth and visibility of El Dorado through tourism and promotional initiatives.

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WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator John Boozman told South Arkansas Now that he believes recent United States actions against Iran were justified, citing concerns about nuclear weapons development and the potential for increased instability across the Middle East.

Boozman said the situation involving Iran is currently one of the most significant issues facing the United States.

“Well, certainly right now, the biggest thing is the war in Iran, and so the good news is that’s going well, but it’s going to take a little bit, and certainly we’re very concerned about oil prices and things like that. Well, I think it’s right now in the story. I think it was the right thing to do, basically. It would not have been the situation like this if Iran was allowed to go ahead and develop nuclear weapons, which they did.”

Boozman said he believes allowing Iran to develop nuclear weapons would have triggered a broader arms race in the region.

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“Saudi Arabia would go nuclear. Turkey would go nuclear. The United States would go nuclear. The list goes on and on. You can imagine a country like Iraq and the Middle East having a missile or a bomb, and not making even a shiver of thought.”

He also expressed concern about Iran’s missile production capabilities and the strain that could place on defensive systems.

“The other thing would be Iranians have the capability of, of course, being very, very good at making inexpensive, massive, very powerful rockets, and as a result of that, we’ve got a good air defense system. Israel’s got a good air defense system, but it’s going to take so many missiles at the same time, and we’re going to get it pretty easily.”

During the interview, South Arkansas Now’s Grant Merrill mentioned that his daughter Molly is preparing to travel to Rome, Italy for a spring break trip, raising concerns about international travel amid global tensions.

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Boozman said he believes travel remains safe at the moment, though caution is always warranted.

“That sounds like a great opportunity. It’s just another good time learning a lot about a different culture. It’s a great opportunity, but you always worry about this kind of thing. The reality is that probably there’s no more danger studying there than studying in one of the great universities in a big city.”

He added that international travel can be affected by broader federal issues, including the ongoing homeland security shutdown.

“So you’re always worried about those kind of things, but I don’t think where it’s going now, where it’s stepped up as far as Iran. It actually makes it such that travel always changes with the homeland security shutdown, which is absolutely idiotic. I understand that people in homeland security are involved — the Secret Service, the Coast Guard, our TSA agents — and that came through keeping the shutters closed at the airport, and again prevents cyber security.”

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Boozman said the shutdown has created staffing shortages that could affect airport operations and travel times.

“It looks at all the customs, all the things that come in from the trade places, and one of the side effects, sadly, is that because TSA agents aren’t being paid, we’re very shorthanded, so I would encourage you to be at the airport early, and hopefully we’ll get some people to come to their senses and go ahead.”

Boozman also commented on leadership at the Department of Homeland Security, praising the appointment of Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin.

“I think he’ll do a really good job. He’s actually very well-liked on both sides.”

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EL DORADO, Ark. — The El Dorado School District announced that all campuses will dismiss early on Friday, March 20, as students and staff prepare for the upcoming spring break.

According to district officials, all schools will release students at 2:30 p.m. that afternoon. The adjusted schedule applies to every campus within the district.

Early dismissal days are commonly scheduled ahead of extended breaks to allow students and staff additional time to begin travel or family plans associated with the holiday period.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to plan transportation accordingly and make any necessary arrangements for the earlier pickup time.

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The early release marks the final school day before spring break for students in the district. Normal schedules will resume when classes return following the break.