News

Miller Sworn In As New Council Member

Published

2 months ago

May 6, 2026

Fresh on the heels of his appointment by his seven fellow Council members, Don Miller takes the oath of office from City Secretary Heather McVay.

EL DORADO, AR – The El Dorado City Council convened in a special called session Tuesday evening with a single item on the agenda: filling the Ward Two vacancy left by the resignation of Alderman Vance Williamson.

Mayor Paul Choate opened the meeting by explaining that the Council would hear from three candidates, in the order their applications were submitted.

The first to speak was Don Miller, who began by thanking the Council for the opportunity. He highlighted more than 40 years of experience in business, emphasizing his roles as both a leader and administrator. Miller also pointed to his involvement with the local United Way and the El Dorado Advertising & Promotion Commission.

Following his remarks, Ward 3 Alderman Andre Rucks posed a question, noting that while business leadership and public service share similarities, they can also differ significantly. He asked how Miller would translate his business background into a servant-minded approach to governing.

Miller responded quickly, pushing back on the idea that the two are fundamentally different. “People are the most important part of business,” he said, adding that his commitment to serving others began early in life, shaped by his upbringing and faith. He stressed that while profit may be the goal in business, it should never come at the expense of people.

Ward Two’s senior Alderman, Willie McGhee, asked how Miller planned to stay engaged with constituents if appointed. Miller said he intended to remain actively involved in the community and pointed to fellow Ward Two Alderman Judy Ward as an example, noting that he has often seen her walking neighborhood streets and looks forward to doing the same alongside her.

The Council next heard from Dr. Ken Bridges, who noted his 16 years as a Ward Two resident. He highlighted his role as founder of the South Arkansas Food Pantry and his service with Interfaith Services and Habitat for Humanity.

Bridges also spoke about his career as an educator, teaching history, geography, and political science, and said he encourages his students to see themselves as “part of the process.” He added that he is a syndicated columnist appearing in nearly 100 newspapers across Arkansas and Texas.

Explaining his motivation for seeking the position, Bridges said, “I have 16,653 reasons—that’s the latest census estimate of our population in 2024.” He acknowledged the city’s long-term population decline, noting losses of 200 to 300 residents annually since 1980. While he said the trend could not be reversed in just a few months, he believes steps can be taken to begin addressing it.

When asked what the city government could improve, Bridges said he would like to ensure citizens feel heard and understand that their voices matter.

The final candidate, Veronica Smith-Creer, reminded the Council of her more than 30 years as a local small business owner. She also pointed to her service on the South Arkansas College Board of Directors, her involvement with the NAACP and Justice League, and her previous tenure as Mayor of El Dorado.

Smith-Creer spoke about hosting seven mayoral balls, which raised more than $20,000 for local nonprofits and charities. Still, she said her proudest role is being “Mimi” to her grandchildren.

She assured the Council that, if selected, she would advocate for all Ward Two residents. When asked by Rucks how she would transition from mayor to alderman, Smith-Creer emphasized the importance of teamwork. “Being a good leader means being able to work as part of a team and being willing to be a team player,” she said.

After the candidates concluded their remarks, the Council voted. Don Miller received five votes, while Smith-Creer received two.

Following the meeting, all three candidates expressed appreciation for one another’s willingness to serve, with both Smith-Creer and Bridges congratulating Miller. He was then sworn in to fill the unexpired term.

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REMINDER: Lyft Event is Thursday

Published

3 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Sandy Sanford

EL DORADO, AR – The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce is recruiting new Lyft drivers to help expand transportation options across our region. Reliable transportation plays a vital role in connecting residents to jobs, education, healthcare, and other opportunities. Individuals interested in driving for Lyft can receive assistance through the program, including free vehicle inspections and cash incentives after completing the inspection process and joining the platform. An informational meeting and training session will be held on June 25 at 6:00 p.m. at the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce, 111 W. Main Street. Participants will learn how to get started, understand the requirements, and begin earning income as a Lyft driver.

Space is limited, and attendance is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, contact the Chamber at 870-863-6113.

News

Severe Storm Threat Targets South Arkansas Tonight

Published

24 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Residents across South Arkansas are being urged to stay weather-aware Monday evening as thunderstorms are expected to develop across the region, with some storms capable of producing damaging winds.

According to the National Weather Service in Shreveport, portions of South Arkansas are under a slight risk for severe weather through the evening hours. The greatest concern is the potential for strong to damaging wind gusts that could reach around 60 mph, capable of downing tree limbs, causing scattered power outages, and creating hazardous travel conditions.

Areas near El Dorado, Magnolia, Camden, and surrounding communities are included in the area facing the higher severe weather risk. While forecasters say the tornado threat remains very low and the risk for large hail is minimal, strong winds associated with thunderstorms are expected to be the primary hazard.

The severe weather threat comes as a Flood Watch remains in effect across much of South Arkansas through Tuesday morning. Heavy rainfall could lead to localized flooding, especially in low-lying areas, near creeks and streams, and on roadways.

Weather officials encourage residents to have multiple ways to receive warnings, including weather radios, smartphone alerts, and local media. Residents are also urged to review their severe weather safety plans before storms begin to develop later this evening.

Forecasters will continue to monitor storm development throughout the evening and overnight as conditions remain favorable for strong thunderstorms across the Ark-La-Tex region.

News

Flood Watch Issued Through Tuesday Morning

Published

1 day ago

June 22, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Residents across South Arkansas are being urged to stay weather-aware tonight as the National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch beginning at 4 p.m. Monday and continuing through 7 a.m. Tuesday.

The watch includes all of South Arkansas, including Union, Columbia, Ouachita, Calhoun, Bradley, Ashley, and surrounding counties. Forecasters say a slow-moving weather system is expected to bring periods of heavy rainfall beginning this evening and continuing through the overnight hours.

Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected across much of the region, with isolated areas potentially receiving even higher amounts. The greatest concern is localized flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas, along creeks and streams, and on roadways that are prone to flooding.

The National Weather Service warns that conditions could deteriorate quickly after sunset as thunderstorms become more widespread. Drivers are encouraged to use caution if traveling overnight and never attempt to drive through flooded roadways.

Emergency officials are reminding residents to monitor forecasts throughout the evening, have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions if heavy rain develops over their area.

The Flood Watch remains in effect until 7 a.m. Tuesday, with forecasters continuing to monitor the potential for flooding across South Arkansas and the broader Ark-La-Tex region.

News

Kindergarten Testing Dates Announced For Incoming El Dorado Students

Published

1 day ago

June 22, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Parents of children entering kindergarten in the El Dorado School District for the 2026-27 school year are being encouraged to sign up now for required kindergarten testing.

District officials announced that all incoming kindergarten students must participate in testing, which will be held on two dates in July. Testing sessions are scheduled for July 21 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and July 23 from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Parents are asked to register for a testing time slot based on their child’s assigned elementary school. Sign-up opportunities are available for students attending Yocum Elementary, Northwest Elementary, and Hugh Goodwin Elementary.

Families who have not yet received their child’s school placement are encouraged to check the email address used during enrollment, as placement notifications have been distributed electronically by the district.

District officials say the testing helps schools prepare for incoming students and assists educators in making sure children are ready for a successful start to their educational journey.

The El Dorado School District said it is looking forward to welcoming the newest class of students when the school year begins later this summer.

News

KTVE To Host Chamber Business Hour Networking Event Tuesday

Published

1 day ago

June 22, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Local business professionals will have an opportunity to make new connections and strengthen existing relationships during the next Business Hour hosted by the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce.

The networking event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at KTVE Studios, located at 400 W. Main Street in El Dorado.

Business Hour is one of the Chamber’s regular networking events designed to bring together business owners, managers, professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders in an informal setting. Attendees can exchange ideas, build relationships, learn about fellow Chamber members, and discover opportunities for collaboration within the local business community.

The event also provides participants with an opportunity to learn more about KTVE Studios and its role in serving audiences throughout the region.

Chamber officials encourage members and prospective members alike to attend, noting that networking events such as Business Hour help strengthen business connections and support economic growth throughout El Dorado and Union County.

The event is open to Chamber members and community business professionals interested in expanding their professional networks and becoming more engaged in the local business community.