EL DORADO – Residents in Southwest Arkansas should remain weather aware today as the National Weather Service in Shreveport highlights a marginal risk for severe weather across the region.

The Level 1 of 5 threat extends from late this afternoon through the overnight hours, impacting areas of Southeast Oklahoma, Northeast Texas, and Southwest Arkansas. While not all areas may see storms during the daytime, rainfall and thunderstorm activity could pick up late this evening and continue overnight.

The primary threats include damaging wind gusts of 60 miles per hour or more and hail up to quarter size, especially with stronger storms that may develop in isolated pockets.

Forecasters note that while the overall risk is low, scattered storms could become severe, prompting a need for residents to have multiple ways of receiving weather alerts, particularly during nighttime hours when visibility is limited.

Storms could impact parts of the Four State Region—including portions of El Dorado, Texarkana, and surrounding communities—as conditions become more favorable later in the evening.

Jim Andrews

EL DORADO – Former Circuit Court Judge Jim Andrews announced today that he is seeking the Republican nomination for the Arkansas House of Representatives, District 97, which includes El Dorado, Parker’s Chapel, Junction City, Wyatt and other portions of Union County.  The seat is currently held by State Representative and former Speaker of the House Matthew Shepherd, who is term-limited and will conclude his service at the end of 2026.

An experienced Arkansas attorney and U.S. Navy Reserve veteran, Andrews brings a broad background in law, business, and public service.  From 2023 – 2024, he served as a Circuit Court Judge in Arkansas’s 13th Judicial District after being appointed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.  Although his judicial term concluded at the end of 2024, he has remained active in state government by serving as a Special Justice at the Arkansas Supreme Court.

Prior to his judgeship, Andrews served as Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary for El Dorado-based Deltic Timber Corporation, helping lead the company through a transformative merger that created the $3 billion PotlatchDeltic Corporation. He later served as General Counsel for the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, where he was instrumental in resolving environmental disputes, securing federal recreational land leases, and implementing a $40 million pandemic-era relief program for Arkansas businesses.

“My roots in Union County run deep and with a solid background in business and the Executive and Judicial branches of state government, I hope to take that experience to the Legislature- serving with integrity, transparency, fiscal responsibility, and delivering positive results,” stated Andrews. “I’m running to ensure District 97 continues to benefit from the strong leadership it’s had under Rep. Shepherd. If elected, I’ll build on his legacy by working to further strengthen our local economy, education, public safety, and ensure accountable government.”

Andrews’s qualifications have been recognized by business and community leaders across the state and his campaign is supported by a broad coalition of supporters, including El Dorado businessman Gary Sewell, who will be serving as his campaign chairman, and by current Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin.

“Having worked with Jim in the past on the Arkansas Economic Development Council and on the Southern Arkansas University College of Business Advisory Council, I’ve seen his integrity and work ethic firsthand. I know South Arkansas will be well-represented and well-served by electing him to the Arkansas House of Representatives,” said Sewell.

“Jim is a sixth generation Union County resident, and he is ready to put his experience and conservative Republican principles to work for the citizens of District 97,” said Griffin. “He has my full support and endorsement and will make an excellent state representative.”

Jim and his wife, Amanda, have four children and live in El Dorado. They are members of Immanuel Baptist Church in El Dorado.

EL DORADO — The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome The Nail Bar, a new upscale nail salon, to the local business community.

The event is scheduled for Monday, June 2, 2025, at 11 a.m. and will take place at 506 N. West Avenue in El Dorado. Community members and local leaders are invited to attend the public celebration, which will last approximately 30 minutes.

The Nail Bar offers a variety of professional services, including manicures, pedicures, and facial waxing, all in a modern and stylish setting. Chamber officials encourage residents to stop by, show their support, and help officially welcome the business to the neighborhood.

With its sleek ambiance and commitment to customer care, The Nail Bar aims to become a go-to destination for beauty and relaxation in South Arkansas.

EL DORADO — Eight-year-old Devonta Hill of Yocum Elementary is celebrating a sweet victory after being named the grand prize winner of a regional fundraising drawing held by World’s Finest Chocolate.

The second-grader was randomly selected from thousands of participating students across Arkansas and Louisiana, each of whom sold at least two boxes of the popular fundraising chocolate during their spring school campaigns. As the winner, Devonta received a $1,000 cash prize.

Devonta’s fundraising efforts included selling boxes of chocolate to neighbors, friends, and family members. Each box contained a mix of the iconic $1 chocolate bars known to many through school fundraisers.

The drawing was part of World’s Finest Chocolate’s broader mission to help schools raise money for essentials such as classroom supplies, technology upgrades, and field trips.

“We are so proud of Devonta and all the students who worked hard to support our school through this fundraiser,” said Yocum Elementary Principal Jessica Moore. “Their dedication and teamwork are what make our school community so special.”

MAGNOLIA – Southern Arkansas University is pleased to announce that Dr. Gerald Plumlee has been named Dean of the Rankin College of Business. Dr. Plumlee has served as interim dean since June 2024 and now officially assumes the permanent role, following a period of impactful leadership and dedication to the College.

Dr. Plumlee brings a strong background in business education, student mentorship, and academic administration to the position. He began his career at SAU in 1999 as an instructor of computer information systems and currently holds the rank of associate professor of management. Over his two-and-a-half decades at SAU, he has taught a variety of classes in management and information systems, earning a reputation as a student-centered educator who values learning beyond the classroom.

He holds an Ed.D. in Higher Education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and both a BBA and an MBA from the University of Central Arkansas.

One of the hallmarks of Dr. Plumlee’s career has been his dedication to experiential learning. He has served as an advisor and co-advisor to nationally recognized student organizations, such as FBLA-Collegiate (formerly Phi Beta Lambda) and Enactus (formerly Students in Free Enterprise), and previously coordinated the College’s study abroad programs. He has accompanied students on international trips to Costa Rica and Mexico. This summer, four faculty members and over 20 students will travel to Italy and Costa Rica, a testament to the College’s growth and investment in these life-changing opportunities.

Dean of the David F. Rankin College of Business, Dr. Gerald Plumlee.

“We provide a top-notch education for our students, but these experiences outside the classroom make a difference,” Plumlee said. “SAU and the Rankin College of Business have emphasized leadership and professional development through student organizations, internships, and study-abroad programs. I’m proud of what we’ve built and excited about what’s ahead.”

During his time as interim dean, Dr. Plumlee successfully led the Rankin College of Business through its AACSB Continuous Improvement Review, resulting in the reaffirmation of its accreditation for another six years. AACSB International is the premier accrediting body for business schools worldwide, and SAU’s Rankin College has maintained accreditation since 2005.

Dr. Plumlee has been involved with AACSB accreditation efforts since 2003 and became director of accreditation in 2018. As associate dean from 2020–2024, he played a critical role in ensuring the College met or exceeded accreditation standards. He also serves on SAU’s Quality Leadership Team, contributing to university-wide accreditation initiatives through the Higher Learning Commission.

“AACSB International accreditation is a mark of excellence, demonstrating the quality and impact of programs offered in the Rankin College of Business,” Plumlee said. “I’m so proud to work alongside the talented group of faculty and staff who ensure what we do every day in the College is making a difference for our students.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Plumlee said the College will begin developing a new strategic plan next year, which will guide its priorities over the next three to six years. “This process has helped us build successful initiatives in the past, from incorporating new technology into the curriculum to expanding study abroad and career readiness programs. I’m looking forward to working with our faculty and staff to shape the next chapter of the RCB.”

The Rankin College of Business, accredited by AACSB International, offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in fields such as accounting, finance, marketing, supply chain management, information systems, and business administration. With a focus on experiential learning, career preparation, and faculty-student engagement, the College maintains a reputation for academic excellence and community impact.

Blanchard houses the Rankin College of Business on SAU’s campus.

“Dr. Gerald Plumlee brings a deep understanding of the Rankin College of Business, a strong commitment to student success, and a clear vision for the future,” said Dr. Robin Sronce, vice president for academic affairs. “His dedication to academic excellence makes him the right choice to guide the College forward. I am confident that under his leadership, the Rankin College of Business will continue to thrive and prepare graduates who will make a meaningful impact in their professions and communities.”

“Dr. Gerald Plumlee has served SAU with distinction for many years, and his leadership within the Rankin College of Business has already made a lasting impression,” said Dr. Bruno Hicks, SAU president. “His deep knowledge of the College, dedication to student success, and steady guidance during his time as interim dean make him the clear choice to lead RCB forward. I am excited to continue working with him as we pursue new opportunities and ongoing growth for the Rankin College of Business.”

Plumlee describes the Rankin College of Business as a special place that changes the lives of those who choose to be a part of the RCB family. For more information about the Rankin College of Business at SAU, visit www.saumag.edu/business.