EL DORADO — The Sons of the American Revolution-DeSoto Trace Chapter has announced an America 250 celebration event in El Dorado featuring the planting of a historic Liberty Tree commemorative elm tree at the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium.

According to organizers, the elm tree was planted to honor the famous “Liberty Tree” that once stood near the Boston Common during the years leading up to the American Revolution.

Historical accounts note that the original Liberty Tree became a gathering place where acts of resistance and defiance against British rule were discussed and organized by American patriots prior to the Revolutionary War. The tree later became a symbol of American independence before being cut down by British forces in 1775.

Organizers said the newly planted tree in El Dorado serves as a way to preserve that piece of American history for future generations while recognizing the actions and sacrifices of early patriots.

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The elm tree was provided by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, which supplied 37 elm trees to the Arkansas Society Sons of the American Revolution for commemorative plantings across the state.

The City of El Dorado and the First Friends Garden Group contributed funding and labor for the planting and landscaping project at the auditorium site.

A public ceremony commemorating the tree planting is scheduled for 11 a.m. on June 10 at the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium, located at 100 West Eighth Street.

Organizers said the public is invited to attend the ceremony as part of the ongoing America 250 celebrations recognizing the approaching 250th anniversary of the United States.

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EL DORADO — Main Street El Dorado has received designation as a 2026 Accredited Main Street America program, the highest national recognition awarded to organizations focused on downtown revitalization and preservation-based economic development.

The designation was awarded by Main Street America in recognition of Main Street El Dorado’s efforts to strengthen downtown El Dorado through community engagement, historic preservation and economic development initiatives.

“We are proud to recognize Main Street El Dorado as a 2026 Accredited Main Street America program for your unwavering commitment to grassroots transformation and the extraordinary abilities of your staff, board of directors, and volunteers to respond to the needs of their community,” said Erin Barnes, president and CEO of Main Street America.

Main Street El Dorado is one of 838 nationally recognized Accredited Main Street America organizations and part of a broader network of more than 1,600 communities across the country working to revitalize downtown districts.

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According to the organization, accredited programs must demonstrate success in areas including community commitment, organizational leadership, sustainable funding, preservation-based economic development and measurable revitalization results.

Main Street El Dorado Executive Director Terry Moore said the recognition reflects the work of volunteers and community leaders throughout the past year.

“The 2025 designation reflects a year of volunteer excellence for Main Street El Dorado,” Moore said. “Through more than 1,700 volunteer hours, board members and community volunteers demonstrated their dedication to downtown revitalization and the future of the community.”

Melissa Balentine, chair of the organization’s 2025 board of directors, said the accreditation highlights El Dorado’s continued focus on supporting downtown businesses and preserving the city’s identity.

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“Being nationally accredited by Main Street America shows that our downtown is doing things the right way, by supporting local businesses, preserving the community’s character, and creating a place that we are proud to call home,” Balentine said.

Main Street El Dorado highlighted several accomplishments from 2025, including receiving recognition for its “Spirit of Main Street Video,” unveiling the downtown Micropark project and hosting the Destination Downtown conference.

The Micropark project added gathering spaces and public art to downtown El Dorado, while Destination Downtown brought downtown revitalization leaders from Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi to the city for the regional conference focused on economic development and historic preservation efforts.

Main Street El Dorado works to promote economic growth, tourism, historic preservation and community engagement in downtown El Dorado.

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EL DORADO, Ark. — The El Dorado Finance Committee selected new leadership during its latest meeting, naming Dianne Hammond as chair and Councilman Andre Rucks as co-chair.

Councilman Willie McGhee nominated Rucks for the chair position, and Rucks accepted the nomination. Following discussion, the committee agreed to establish both a chair and co-chair position because more than one city official expressed interest in helping lead the committee.

Hammond was selected as chair after receiving five votes. Rucks received three votes and will serve as co-chair.

Following the leadership selection, Hammond reviewed the city’s latest sales tax report, which compared 2026 collections with figures from 2025 and 2024.

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According to the report, the city’s one-cent sales tax collections are down year-to-date compared to both previous years listed. The report shows $1,420,999.46 collected in 2026, compared to $1,499,388.69 in 2025. That is a decrease of $78,389.23, or 5.23 percent. Compared to 2024, when the total was $1,611,394.01, the one-cent sales tax is down $190,394.55, or 11.82 percent.

The quarter-cent sales tax showed stronger results compared to 2025, but still trailed 2024 figures. The report lists 2026 year-to-date collections at $560,883.71, compared to $524,413.28 in 2025. That is an increase of $36,470.43, or 6.95 percent. Compared to 2024, however, collections are down $55,186.16, or 8.96 percent.

The El Dorado WINS tax followed the same trend. Year-to-date collections for 2026 totaled $2,243,534.85, compared to $2,097,653.16 in 2025. That marks an increase of $145,881.69, or 6.95 percent. Compared to 2024, when collections totaled $2,464,240.61, the WINS tax is down $220,705.76, or 8.96 percent.

The solid waste tax was down compared to both 2025 and 2024. The report shows 2026 year-to-date collections at $1,619,925.16, compared to $1,707,456.69 in 2025. That is a decrease of $87,531.53, or 5.13 percent. Compared to 2024, collections are down $215,598.19, or 11.75 percent.

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Month-to-month, the report showed some improvement in April across several categories. The one-cent sales tax was up 1.98 percent compared to April 2025, while the quarter-cent sales tax and WINS tax were both up 11.29 percent compared to April 2025. The solid waste tax was also up 2.27 percent compared to the same month last year.

Logan Adams with Emrich & Scroggins, LLP, CPAs also spoke during the meeting. Adams discussed plans to help the city have monthly financial reports prepared in time for upcoming city council meetings.

Hammond said she would like the Finance Committee to meet once a month moving forward.

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MOTICELLO, AR – Emergency workers, along with police were called out to a scene of a reported, “domestic disturbance,” at approximately 4:00 A.M. on Memorial Day. When police arrived and surrounded the Bolling street home they ordered the occupants from the house. According to witnesses at the scene, when there was no response, police made their way into the residence. Once inside they found the bodies of a 19 year old girl, her grandmother, and the 19 year old’s boyfriend. According to family members, they believe the domestic situation turned into a murder suicide where the boyfriend took the lives of the 19 year old and her grandmother before turning the gun on himself.

Once inside the home police discovered the 19 year old’s great-grandfather was inside but unharmed. The investigation is ongoing and when more information becomes available, we will pass it along.

EL DORADO — El Dorado High School has announced its delegates for the 2026 Arkansas Boys State and Arkansas Girls State programs, recognizing students selected to participate in two of the state’s premier leadership and citizenship programs.

The students will represent El Dorado during the annual summer programs sponsored by the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Selected as 2026 Arkansas Girls State delegates are Yakenia Aaron, Rosalie Alatorre, Ke’Asia Brice, Aileen Chen, Avelyn Chen, A’Khiya Elliott, Lilly Hyde, Aaliyah Jackson, Trinity Jones, Emma Kelley, Sarahy Mendoza, Addison Moore, Clair Wade and Janijah Wafers. Makayla Pope and Alexis Willis were also selected but were not pictured.

Chosen as Arkansas Boys State delegates are Abraham Aguiluz, Gus Askea, Ignacio Chavez, Jackson Gibson, Garrett Johnson, Cortland Lee, Jackson Lee, Mason Moore, Harrison Lowry, Landon Parks, Victor Marquez, Braylon Robinson, Samuel Singleton, Tacoby Vanhook and Ryder Rambo. Ari Urbina was also selected but was not pictured.

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Arkansas Girls State and Arkansas Boys State are leadership and government education programs designed to teach high school students about civic engagement, public service and how local and state government operates.

During the weeklong programs, students participate in mock government exercises by forming cities, counties and state governments while campaigning for offices, debating legislation and learning about the responsibilities of citizenship and leadership.

Arkansas Girls State is sponsored annually by the American Legion Auxiliary, while Arkansas Boys State is organized through the American Legion. Both programs have a long history nationwide and are considered among the most respected student leadership opportunities in the country.

Many past participants in Boys State and Girls State programs across the United States have gone on to careers in public service, law, business, military leadership and education.

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School officials congratulated the students on their selection and recognition as representatives of El Dorado High School.