MAGNOLIA — One of South Arkansas’s most anticipated events of the year returns this weekend as the 2025 Magnolia Blossom Festival kicks off a full slate of activities in downtown Magnolia, beginning Friday, May 16, and continuing through Saturday, May 17.

Friday’s festivities begin at noon with the opening of the Blossom Market and food court, giving visitors a chance to browse vendors and sample regional cuisine. The evening will feature a free concert at 7:00 p.m. at The Square Park, headlined by Purple Madness, a Prince tribute band billed as America’s #1 Prince Experience.

Saturday brings a packed schedule, beginning at sunrise with the Tom Dehoney Fishing Tournament at Lake Columbia. The information booth opens at 7:00 a.m., followed by the 5K Race and Fun Run at 7:30 a.m.

Throughout the day, families can enjoy the expanded Blossom Market, the Rods & Ribeyes Car Show, and the Magnolia Arts Annual Art Show. Highlights include the Parade of Cookers at 10:00 a.m., dance performances at the Albemarle Stage, and two shows by Tommy Terrific’s Magic Show at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

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A new addition this year is the Steak Sampler event, allowing visitors to try portions of steak from competing teams between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. The world-renowned World Championship Steak Cook-Off™ begins serving at 6:00 p.m., with the awards ceremony scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for the cook-off and sampler are available online and can be picked up at the Magnolia-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce through Friday evening or at the information booth on Saturday.

For a full schedule and ticket information, visit blossomfestival.org.

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LEWISVILLE — A 79-year-old Lewisville man was killed Tuesday morning in a single-vehicle crash along Lafayette County Road 13, according to a report from the Arkansas State Police.

The crash occurred at approximately 9:35 a.m. on May 13, west of Highway 29 in rural Lafayette County.

Authorities say Neal W. Sewell was driving a 2019 Toyota Tacoma eastbound on Lafayette County Road 13 when the vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree on the right side. No passengers or additional vehicles were involved.

Weather and road conditions were reported as clear and dry at the time of the crash. No injuries were reported aside from the fatality.

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Sewell’s body was transported to Smith’s Funeral Home in Stamps. Next of kin have been notified. The accident remains under investigation by Trooper Holly Romero with the Arkansas State Police.

EL DORADO – Residents across South Arkansas should prepare for the potential of severe weather beginning late Friday afternoon and continuing into Saturday night, according to the National Weather Service in Shreveport.

A Level 2 out of 5 risk is in place for much of the northern half of the region, including areas around El Dorado and Camden. Forecasters warn that damaging winds, large hail, and the possibility of an isolated tornado or two are all concerns during this active pattern. Locally heavy rainfall could also contribute to flash flooding in low-lying areas.

Today’s storms are expected to develop during the late afternoon and evening hours, with activity diminishing overnight. On Saturday, another round of severe storms is forecast to redevelop, mainly during the late afternoon and continuing through the evening and overnight hours.

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Emergency officials urge residents to monitor local weather updates and have multiple ways to receive warnings, especially overnight when storms can strike with little notice.

EL DORADO — The Union County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Friday that 17-year-old Shdarrien Williams of Strong has been found safe.

Williams had been reported missing by his family earlier this week after last being seen on Friday, May 9. His disappearance prompted a public plea from the Sheriff’s Office for assistance in locating him. Investigators had focused their search efforts in the El Dorado area, particularly in the Murmil, Marrable Hill, and Rock Island neighborhoods.

Authorities say Williams was located and is now safe. No further details about his recovery have been released, but the Sheriff’s Office thanked the public for their support and cooperation throughout the investigation.

The case remains under review.

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EL DORADO — The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce is rallying community support for local business with a special “Cash Mob” event this Saturday, May 17, at Especially For You, located at 522 W. 19th Street in El Dorado.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and shoppers are encouraged to stop by and commit to spending at least $25 in the store. In return, they’ll help boost a locally owned business — and be entered to win door prizes just for participating.

Cash mobs are grassroots efforts to support small businesses by encouraging a surge of customers during a short, targeted period. They not only provide a financial lift to businesses but also help generate visibility and build lasting community connections.

Especially For You, a longtime favorite in El Dorado’s retail scene, offers a wide variety of gifts, fashion, and home goods. The event aims to reward loyal customers and introduce new shoppers to what the store has to offer.

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“This is a fun and easy way for the community to show up and support one of our local retailers,” the Chamber said in its announcement. “Just spend $25 and you could walk away with a great prize — all while helping a local business thrive.”

No advance registration is necessary. Shoppers can come by at any time during the three-hour window. For more information, visit the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce on social media.