STUART, FL. – Beryl Anthony Jr., a former U.S. House representative from El Dorado who dedicated his life to serving Arkansas and championing bipartisan cooperation, passed away Saturday morning at the age of 86.

Anthony was a prominent figure in Arkansas politics, remembered for his deep commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents and his ability to bridge divides in Washington.

Born and raised in El Dorado, Anthony graduated from the University of Arkansas and was later admitted to the Arkansas Bar. He returned to his hometown to begin a legal and public service career that included serving as an assistant to then-Attorney General Bruce Bennett and as the Union County prosecuting attorney.

In 1978, Anthony was elected to represent Arkansas’s 4th Congressional District, succeeding outgoing U.S. Rep. Ray Thornton Jr. During his seven terms in Congress, Anthony gained a reputation as a staunch advocate for Arkansas and Southern states. He played a significant role as a founding member of the Sunbelt Coalition, an organization that evaluated the impact of legislation on Southern states.

Anthony also served on the influential House Ways and Means Committee, including its Oversight and Trade subcommittees, and contributed to the work of the Select Committee on Children, Youth, and Families. His tenure in Congress was marked by his focus on economic development, trade policies, and support for Arkansas’s agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

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Beyond his political achievements, Anthony was known for his personable nature and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His advocacy for Arkansas extended beyond legislation, as he worked tirelessly to bring federal resources and attention to the state’s needs.

The news of his death was confirmed by the Treasure Coast Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory in Stuart, Florida. No funeral services have been planned.

LITTLE ROCK – The National Weather Service (NWS) in Little Rock has issued a warning about an impending Arctic air intrusion that is expected to bring frigid conditions to Arkansas starting Saturday afternoon, January 18. Temperatures are forecasted to plummet to 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit below normal for this time of year, with the coldest conditions arriving Monday and Tuesday.

According to the NWS, this Arctic blast may persist beyond the forecast period, potentially extending the bitter cold into next week. Cities such as Camden, Harrison, Little Rock, Mena, Monticello, and Newport are expected to experience significantly lower temperatures, with the coldest readings expected on the mornings of January 21 and 22.

How to Prepare

The NWS has provided several recommendations to help Arkansans stay safe during the cold spell:

• Check on vulnerable individuals: Ensure the elderly and other at-risk populations have the resources they need to stay warm.
• Protect your pets: Keep animals indoors, warm, and dry to avoid exposure to the dangerous cold.
• Insulate your pipes: If possible, insulate pipes and open cabinets under sinks to allow heat circulation, reducing the risk of freezing.

This Arctic air could lead to challenges for those unprepared, and residents are urged to take precautions immediately. Stay tuned to your local weather updates and follow the guidance of the National Weather Service for real-time alerts.

For more information, visit weather.gov/lzk.

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EL DORADO – Starting today, Shuler Road, running from the Lanxess West plant to Tram Road, will be closed for the next two weeks to accommodate necessary bridge repairs.

The closure, announced on January 14, 2025, is expected to impact local traffic in the area as crews work to address structural issues on the bridge. Drivers are urged to plan alternate routes to avoid delays and ensure safety.

Further updates will be provided as the project progresses. For questions or concerns, residents are encouraged to contact local authorities.