EL DORADO — The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a warning for the possibility of localized heavy rainfall and minor flooding across South Arkansas today, Friday, June 13.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop throughout the day, with rainfall totals reaching up to an inch in many areas. Isolated spots could see even higher amounts, leading to potential flooding in low-lying or poorly drained areas.

The region falls under a “Marginal Risk” category for excessive rainfall, according to the latest forecast map, which includes Union, Columbia, and Ouachita counties. Areas just north of El Dorado and into parts of Central Arkansas are under a “Slight Risk,” where rainfall could be more concentrated.

Emergency officials are urging drivers to exercise caution.

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“Do not drive across flooded roads,” the National Weather Service advises. “Turn around, don’t drown.”

Forecasters say the rain could lead to temporary travel delays, ponding on roadways, and brief rises in small streams and creeks.

For updates throughout the day, residents are encouraged to monitor local news outlets and check weather.gov/shv.

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EL DORADO — Local officials and emergency personnel gathered Thursday to break ground on the new Union County Communications Center, a centralized facility that will house all city and county 911 dispatch operations under one roof.

The new center is designed to improve coordination and response times across the region by unifying emergency dispatch services for both El Dorado and Union County. Once completed, it will serve as the hub for all emergency communication, bringing together city and county dispatchers for the first time in a single, state-of-the-art location.

“We are so excited to welcome this facility to our community,” the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce said in a statement. “This centralized center will help ensure faster, more efficient emergency response services for all of Union County.”

Local leaders praised the work of dispatchers and emergency personnel, highlighting their tireless efforts to keep the community safe. The Chamber extended its gratitude, saying, “Thank you to all of the dispatchers and emergency personnel who work around the clock to keep our community safe!”

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Construction is expected to continue through the coming months, with a projected opening date to be announced later this year.

CAMDEN — The Camden Regional Chamber of Commerce is set to usher in a new era of community and business engagement with its upcoming event, “Ignite & Invite: Relaunch + Member Drive 2025,” scheduled for Thursday, June 19 at 5:00 p.m. at the Historic Missouri Train Depot, located at 314 Adams Avenue.

The event marks a significant milestone for the Chamber as it renews its focus on strengthening local business connections, expanding membership, and energizing civic participation. Organizers say the relaunch will spotlight new initiatives, fresh programming, and revitalized efforts to unite entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders across the Camden region.

“This relaunch is more than a celebration — it’s a movement,” said Tomeka Warren, Executive Director of the Camden Regional Chamber of Commerce. “We’re calling on local business owners, civic leaders, and residents to come together and take part in the exciting future we’re shaping for Camden.”

Attendees will enjoy light refreshments, giveaways, and networking opportunities, along with the chance to enroll or renew memberships on-site. The Chamber will also unveil new member benefits and upcoming events designed to support and promote the local business community.

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The event is open to all—current and former members, as well as those interested in learning more about the Chamber’s role and resources.

For more details, visit the Camden Regional Chamber of Commerce Facebook page or contact the Chamber office at 870-836-6426 or chamberdirectorcamden@gmail.com.

Wall Street Journal 
By Sen. Tom Cotton

Violent insurrectionists turned areas of Los Angeles into lawless hellscapes over the weekend, with anarchists setting fire to vehicles, throwing scooters and debris at police, and looting businesses—all while waving foreign flags.

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Despite the rising chaos, Gov. Gavin Newsom, whose office likened the riots to a Philadelphia Eagles playoff victory celebration, and Mayor Karen Bass, who refuses to support federal law enforcement, haven’t taken sufficient action to restore law and order.

Meanwhile, incredibly, Democrats and the liberal media have again called this outbreak of violence “mostly peaceful protests,” while in the same breath blaming the riots, arson, and looting on President Trump for enforcing immigration law. The New York Times described “largely peaceful” riots with fireworks fired at police, cars set on fire, and more than 150 arrests.

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The threat from the radical left is clear: Don’t enforce immigration laws. If you do, left-wing street militias will burn down cities, and Democratic politicians will back the rioters. The president is absolutely right to reject this threat, enforce immigration laws, and restore civil order. 

At the risk of again sending liberals to their fainting couches, it may indeed be time to send in the troops. Let’s look at the facts for some context.

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Read the rest of the op-ed at WSJ.com.

The El Dorado School Board met on June 9, 2025, with a packed agenda that included athletics, educational equity initiatives, and the arrival of a new service animal in training. The meeting also marked a milestone moment, as it was the final board appearance for longtime Athletic Director Phillip Lansdell.

Strong Year for Athletics and a Final Presentation

In his final presentation as Athletic Director, Lansdell delivered a report filled with accomplishments and gratitude. He highlighted that ten teams advanced to post-season play during the school year. The Girls Track team stood out by securing both a conference title and a state championship. The district’s cheerleading squad also earned recognition as state runner-up.

Lansdell proposed an athletic budget of $178,911, which was approved unanimously. He also recommended EBI as the district’s provider for athletic insurance, a proposal that the board accepted.

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In a moment that captured his signature mix of professionalism and humor, Lansdell closed by telling board members, “When you’re ready to go fishing, just let me know.”

Board members and attendees acknowledged Lansdell’s years of service and leadership, thanking him for his dedication to student-athletes and the El Dorado athletic community.

Educational Assurances and Equity Initiatives Approved

Sherry Floss presented a slate of annual federal education compliance measures, including ESSA and IDEA assurances and the GEPA statement. These policies are designed to eliminate barriers to student success across factors like gender, race, and language.

Floss emphasized the district’s ongoing efforts to provide equitable access to learning, including mentoring for new teachers and supplying high-quality learning materials such as iPads to ESL students.

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The board approved the assurances and statements as presented.

Meet Ace: A Future Service Dog for the District

The board also welcomed a special new addition—Ace, a service dog in training who is now part of the El Dorado School District’s support program. Ace is a half-sibling to the current service animal at Ward Central Elementary, a program district representative recently observed firsthand.

Ace will undergo a rigorous training process before being integrated into interactions with students. The initiative reflects the district’s growing commitment to providing emotional and behavioral support resources in schools.

The next school board meeting is expected later this summer, as the district continues preparing for the 2025–2026 academic year.

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Sherry Floss holding Ace, the new service dog for the El Dorado School District.