News

Meta AI facility to be built in Rayville

Published

6 months ago

December 5, 2024

Staff Reports

RICHLAND PARISH, La. – Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta announced it will build a $10 billion artificial intelligence data center in northeast Louisiana, a transformational investment that cements the state’s status as a major innovation hub and puts this picturesque rural community on the leading edge of a global digital revolution.

Meta projects the data center will support 500 or more direct new jobs in Richland Parish. LED estimates the project will result in the creation of more than 1,000 indirect jobs, for a total of more than 1,500 potential new jobs in the Northeast Region. The company estimates 5,000 construction workers at peak of construction on the 2,250-acre former Franklin Farm megasite that sits between the municipalities of Rayville and Delhi, about 30 miles east of Monroe.

“Today, Louisiana begins a new chapter. Today, we are delivering new jobs and economic growth on a scale unimaginable before we took office,” Governor Jeff Landry said. “Meta’s investment establishes the region as an anchor in Louisiana’s rapidly expanding tech sector, revitalizes one of our state’s beautiful rural areas, and creates opportunities for Louisiana workers to fill high-paying jobs of the future. I thank Meta for their commitment to our state, and to the State Legislature for positioning Louisiana to win this project by passing new tax reform legislation that attracts capital investment and improves Louisiana’s business tax climate.”

Hyperscaler data centers such as the one planned for Richland Parish are housed in huge physical structures designed to process the vast amounts of data required to support digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) workloads. The facility is the largest of more than 20 Meta data centers around the world.

“Meta is building the future of human connection and the technology that makes it possible. And this data center will be an important part of that mission,” said Kevin Janda, Meta Director of Data Center Strategy. “Richland Parish in Louisiana is an outstanding location for Meta to call home for a number of reasons. It provides great access to infrastructure, a reliable grid, a business-friendly climate, and wonderful community partners that have helped us move this project forward. We’re thrilled to be a new member of the Richland Parish community and are committed to investing in its long-term vitality.”

LED expects the project, one of the largest private capital investments in the state’s history, to spark new economic activity and investments throughout northeast Louisiana as multiple industries benefit from the billions of dollars invested. Meta makes a concerted effort to source labor and materials locally, and partners with local schools and organizations to advance STEAM education and digital skills that can be used to compete in the digital workforce.

“This project is an example of what Louisiana can accomplish when economic development partners play offense rather than waiting for good projects to come to them,” LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “Louisiana has been actively positioning itself as a hub for AI innovation, with plans to support startups, grow a skilled workforce, and shape forward-thinking policy. Meta’s historic investment is just the beginning of a bold strategy to drive economic growth through AI, expand and diversify the state’s tech sector, and prove to the world that when Louisiana says that we are ready to compete on the global stage, we mean business.”

To power the data center, which at its largest point extends more than one mile from front to back, Entergy will add clean, efficient power plants to its system to meet growing power demands, including from the data center. Meta has pledged to match its electricity use with 100% clean and renewable energy and will be working with Entergy to bring at least 1,500 MW of new renewable energy to the grid through its Geaux Zero program. In addition, Meta has committed to contribute up to $1 million a year to Entergy’s “The Power to Care” low-income ratepayer support program, a figure that will be matched by Entergy Louisiana.

“This partnership underscores Entergy Louisiana’s commitment to powering progress and driving innovation,” Entergy Louisiana President and CEO Phillip May said. “By supporting this transformational investment, we are not only delivering the energy needed today, but also building the infrastructure that will support a brighter, more sustainable future for all of Louisiana. Together, we’re laying the foundation for economic growth that will benefit generations to come. We could not be more proud to play a critical role in this monumental endeavor.”

In addition to Meta’s commitment to match its electricity usage with clean and renewable energy, the company prioritizes water stewardship in its operations, including minimizing water use at its data centers. Meta has pledged to restore more water than it consumes at this data center by investing in water restoration projects in Louisiana.

To support both the construction and eventual operation of the data center, Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) has committed $250,000 in Workforce Rapid Response funding to Delta Community College to develop programs and expand capacity. Delta will scale up its construction trades programs to meet the initial construction needs, and partner with peer institutions experienced in developing and delivering curricula for data center operations.

“The parish is excited about the project we look forward to assisting in every way,” Richland Parish Supervisor Joey Evans said. “I am so proud of the collaboration and cooperation among our state, regional, parish and local partners. The manner in which the communities of Rayville, Holly Ridge and Delhi came together to make this project a reality speaks volumes about our parish’s ability to rise to any challenge.”

Meta expects construction to continue through 2030 with site work beginning in December. The company has also committed to invest more than $200 million in local infrastructure improvements, including roads and water systems.

The company is expected to take advantage of a new Louisiana incentive program, established by Act 730, that offers qualifying projects a state and local sales and use tax rebate on the purchase or lease of data center equipment. Meta is also expected to participate in the state’s Quality Jobs program.

“This project will create a transformational change for the residents of the entire Northeast Region,” Grow NELA President and CEO Rob Cleveland said. “Meta chose northeast Louisiana because of the availability of reliable, low-cost energy; access to flat, developable land and a business-friendly environment led by Governor Landry. This project opens the floodgates for data center development in Louisiana, and we are prepared for what’s ahead.”

News

El Dorado native Emmaline Landes headlines SAAC exhibit

Published

2 days ago

May 30, 2025

Staff Reports

SAAC welcomes back El Dorado native and emerging artist Emmaline Landes. Emme will present a selection of paintings from her BFA Thesis, “Hidden in a Handbag,” completed at the University of Mississippi in the Lobby Gallery June 2-27. Join us in celebrating Emmaline Landes at the opening reception on Monday, June 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Landes’s work delves into the nuanced experience of navigating a world where women are relentlessly pressured to embody perfection and conceal their imperfections. Through her vivid oil paintings, she explores how societal molds impose expectations on women, often masking their authentic selves behind curated images of polished perfection.

The series uniquely features the contents of spilled purses—objects shared by friends, family, and herself—that serve as raw, unfiltered portraits of personal narratives. By magnifying these everyday items, Landes invites viewers to confront the vulnerability and stories hidden beneath the surface. The chaotic, overlapping compositions—rendered in bright, youthful colors—subvert superficial appearances, challenging viewers to question notions of authenticity versus societal façades.

“Ultimately, my paintings seek to unravel the complexities of female identity,” Landes explains. “As the contents of our purses are spilled, so too are the incredible stories of the women that carry them.” Her work underscores the tension between private realities and public personas, emphasizing that beneath the masks we wear lies a rich tapestry of lived experience.

A graduate of the University of Mississippi with a focus on photorealism, Landes is passionate about exploring new styles, materials, and concepts to push her artistic boundaries. She will begin her MFA studies at Southern Methodist University this fall. Her art draws heavily from feminist theory, aiming to foster conversations about societal expectations, authenticity, and personal identity.

Join us for the opening reception on June 2 to experience Landes’s thought-provoking exploration of womanhood and societal pressure. The exhibit promises an engaging visual journey into the stories we carry—and conceal. The SAAC galleries, located at 110 East Fifth Street in El Dorado, are free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

News

May Proclaimed Extension Homemakers Month in Union County

Published

2 days ago

May 30, 2025

Staff Reports

Pictured with Judge Loftin are Kay Johnston, Judy Couch and Lauren McGarrh, Union County FCS Agent.

EL DORADO — Union County Judge Mike Loftin has officially proclaimed May as Extension Homemakers Month, honoring the long-standing impact of the Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council (AEHC) on families and communities across the state.

The proclamation was signed at the Union County Courthouse, where Judge Loftin was joined by Kay Johnston, Judy Couch, and Lauren McGarrh, Union County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent.

Founded in 1912, AEHC has worked for over a century to empower individuals and families through continuing education, leadership development, and community service. The organization celebrates its 113th anniversary this year, continuing its legacy of supporting homemakers and strengthening communities across Arkansas.

Union County residents interested in joining AEHC or learning more about its programs are encouraged to contact the local extension office at 870-864-1916.

News

Camden Launches Community Housing Survey to Shape Future Development

Published

2 days ago

May 30, 2025

Staff Reports

CAMDEN — The Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development (OPED) Housing Committee has announced the launch of a Community Housing Study Survey aimed at better understanding the current and future housing needs of Camden and the surrounding area. The initiative, which began on May 27 and runs through July 1, seeks input from residents, workers, and local stakeholders to guide housing decisions that support sustainable community growth.

The survey focuses on workforce-style housing and is a key step in ensuring Camden offers quality, affordable, and accessible housing options to meet the demands of a growing population.

“Our goal is to make informed decisions that reflect the real needs of the people who live and work here,” said James Lee Silliman, Executive Director of OPED. “Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, business owner, or planning to move to our community, your input is critical.”

Participants will be asked to share their experiences and preferences related to:

Housing challenges and shortages
Desired housing types and price ranges
Preferences on location, design, and affordability
The connection between housing, jobs, transportation, and services

The results will be used to inform housing policies, support grant applications, and ensure future development is aligned with infrastructure and economic plans.

The survey is open to Ouachita County residents aged 18 and older and can be completed in under 10 minutes. Responses are confidential and will directly impact local housing strategies.

How to Participate:

Online: Visit www.explorecamden.com
Social Media: Find the link on the City of Camden, Camden Regional Chamber of Commerce, or OPED Facebook pages
Paper Copies: Available at local restaurants, churches, businesses, clinics, the hospital, library, East Camden and Camden city halls, the courthouse, and more.

City officials and economic development leaders are urging as many residents as possible to take part in the survey and help shape the future of housing in Ouachita County.

News

Hampton Police Department Launches New Online Reporting Platform

Published

2 days ago

May 30, 2025

Staff Reports

HAMPTON — The Hampton Police Department has announced a new partnership with MYPDConnect, offering residents an easier, more convenient way to interact with city departments and file non-emergency reports from home.

According to a statement from Chief Tischa Johnson, the new online platform will allow citizens to report criminal activity, city ordinance violations, officer conduct, and more—directly from their smartphones or computers. The system also allows users to give shout-outs to officers, ask general questions, and submit complaints to both the City of Hampton and other departments such as the Mayor’s Office and Water Department.

“This new platform expands access for our citizens and gives them more flexibility to reach out, ask questions, and voice concerns,” said Chief Johnson. “We’re excited about how MYPDConnect will help us serve our community more efficiently.”

The service is being rolled out for non-emergency calls only. Residents have several options to file reports:

Text 870-725-5611 to receive a direct link.
Visit https://hamptonpd.mypdconnect.com
Scan the QR code on the official announcement.

The Hampton Police Department hopes the new system will strengthen community engagement and make it easier for citizens to report issues and stay informed.

News

AARP and South Arkansas College Launch Free Tech Tuesdays Classes in June

Published

2 days ago

May 30, 2025

Staff Reports

EL DORADO — AARP Arkansas and South Arkansas College are teaming up to offer Tech Tuesdays, a free technology training series throughout the month of June designed to help participants sharpen their computer skills.

Hosted at the Mahony Family Library on the SouthArk campus (300 Summit Ave.), these hands-on classes are open to the public and will take place every Tuesday in June. Attendees can choose from two available time slots each week: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptops. Those needing access to a computer can reserve one by calling the library at 870-864-7115.

Here’s the full lineup of classes and registration links:

June 3: Computer Component Basics
Register here
June 10: Navigating the Operating System – Part 1
Register here
June 17: Navigating the Operating System – Part 2
Register here
June 24: Technology Accessibility
Register here

These sessions are ideal for beginners or anyone looking to refresh their tech knowledge. AARP and SouthArk hope the initiative will empower attendees with the digital skills needed for everyday tasks and improved access to online resources.