News
Sanders names Secretary of State, Supreme Court Justices

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced Tuesday that Cole Jester will serve as Arkansas’ new Secretary of State, replacing John Thurston, who will assume the role of State Treasurer in January. Jester’s appointment is accompanied by the selection of Supreme Court Justice Cody Hiland and Solicitor General Nicholas Bronni to fill seats on the Arkansas Supreme Court.
Governor Sanders praised Jester’s extensive legal expertise and dedication to conservative values, citing his work as Deputy Chief Legal Counsel in crafting legislation to block Chinese ownership of Arkansas farmland and his role as a litigation advisor in cases against Big Tech and the Biden administration. “Cole is incredibly accomplished and smart – and even more importantly, he is honest, hardworking, and a man of deep faith,” Sanders said. Jester expressed gratitude for the appointment, vowing to uphold election integrity and serve the people of Arkansas with dedication.
Jester, a Benton native, graduated as valedictorian of Benton High School before earning a summa cum laude degree from Ouachita Baptist University and attending the University of Virginia School of Law. His career includes clerking for Chief Judge Lavenski Smith of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and serving as Managing Editor of The Journal of Law and Politics. He lives in Benton with his wife, Elizabeth, and their daughter, Charlotte.
In addition to Jester’s appointment, Sanders announced that Justice Cody Hiland will remain on the Arkansas Supreme Court, replacing Justice Courtney Hudson Goodson, while Nicholas Bronni will fill the seat vacated by Justice Karen Baker. Both appointees bring extensive legal backgrounds and conservative principles to their new roles. “Cody’s first 18 months on the Supreme Court have shown everyone what we already knew: he’s sharp, he’s honest, and above all, he’s dedicated to the people of Arkansas,” Sanders said.
Hiland, who previously served as a U.S. Attorney under President Donald Trump, has focused on violent crime and public safety throughout his career. Bronni, who has successfully argued cases in the U.S. Supreme Court, is known for his work defending Arkansas laws and conservative values. Both appointees will begin their terms on January 1, 2025, further solidifying Arkansas’ conservative judicial leadership.
News
Hotter Temps, Thunderstorms Expected Today

SHREVEPORT — The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a forecast for scattered thunderstorms expected to develop this afternoon across parts of the Ark-La-Tex region. Residents are urged to remain weather-aware, as brief heavy downpours and lightning may accompany these storms.
Today’s high temperatures are forecast to reach between 85 and 90 degrees, with southwest winds around 10 mph helping to fuel the unsettled weather conditions. The storms are expected to remain scattered, meaning not all areas will see rainfall, but localized storm activity could be strong at times.
The National Weather Service encourages residents to monitor local updates throughout the day and to take proper precautions if storms approach.
For the latest weather information stay with South Arkansas Now.
News
El Dorado Seeks Applicants for Historic District Commission Seat

EL DORADO — The City of El Dorado is currently seeking applicants to fill an open seat on the Historic District Commission, a vital committee responsible for preserving and promoting the city’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Community members who have an interest in historic preservation and city development are encouraged to apply. The Historic District Commission plays a key role in shaping the visual character of El Dorado’s historic areas and ensuring responsible stewardship of local landmarks.
The deadline to apply is Monday, July 14, 2025, by 5:00 p.m.
Those interested in serving can obtain more information by contacting City Clerk Heather McVay at 870-881-4877 or via email at cityclerk@eldoradoar.org.
The city welcomes diverse applicants and encourages anyone passionate about El Dorado’s history and community development to step forward and apply.
News
Ouachita County Library Announces Summer Reading Program Schedule

CAMDEN — The Camden/Ouachita County Public Library has kicked off its 2025 Summer Reading Club with a lively lineup of educational and entertaining events aimed at engaging children and families throughout the summer.
Under the theme “Color Our World,” the program offers a wide variety of interactive presentations every Tuesday at 2:00 p.m., showcasing wildlife, storytelling, magic, and more. The schedule is designed to keep young readers inspired and involved during the summer break.
Here’s what’s coming up on the schedule:
- June 18 @ 2:00 p.m. – Delta Rivers Nature Center will present a program featuring nature and wildlife.
- June 25 @ 2:00 p.m. – Animalogy will bring a wide variety of animals for an up-close experience.
- July 2 @ 2:00 p.m. – Marty Boone, also known as the Balloon Man, will perform a fun-filled magic show.
- July 9 @ 2:00 p.m. – Bar-R Farms returns with a petting zoo that children are sure to enjoy.
- July 16 @ 2:00 p.m. – Storyteller Cindy Phillips will close out the series with a performance of classic folk tales.
Earlier this month, Logoly State Park kicked off the program on June 11 with a presentation on reptiles.
All events are free and open to the public. The library encourages families across Ouachita County to attend and help foster a love for reading in children of all ages. For more information, contact the Camden/Ouachita County Public Library directly.
News
Victim Identified In Highway Seven Fatal Wreck

EL DORADO – An 81-year-old man from Smackover was killed Tuesday morning in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of State Highway 7 and Pershing Highway, according to the Arkansas State Police.
Huey Lane Green, 81, was pronounced dead at the scene following the collision, which occurred around 10:55 a.m. Green was driving a 2007 Pontiac eastbound and had pulled onto the shoulder at the intersection before attempting to make a left turn across the southbound lane of traffic. His vehicle was struck on the left side by a 2005 Chevrolet, also traveling south on Highway 7.
Two other individuals were injured in the crash. Tristen Dewayne Peebles, 22, of Camden, the driver of the Chevrolet, and Joey Allen Williams, 39, of Ward, a passenger in Green’s vehicle, were transported to South Arkansas Regional Hospital for treatment.
Conditions at the time of the crash were clear and dry. Green’s body is being held at Young’s Funeral Home. Next of kin have been notified.
The crash remains under investigation by Arkansas State Police Trooper Logan Holmes.
News
Missing Senior Found! Silver Alert Cancelled!

EL DORADO, AR – El Dorado Police had issued a Silver Alert for a 73 year old female, whom family members say, may be suffering from dementia. The woman who was described as African-American, about 5’5″ and 150 lbs was reported missing by family around 8 P.M. on Thursday June, 12th. Officers did find the missing woman about 1:00 A.M. on Friday, June 13th.
According to LT. Trey Phillips with the El Dorado Police Department, the Silver Alert was cancelled and the woman is safe at home with family.
A Silver Alert is a public notification system designed to aid in locating missing seniors or individuals with developmental or cognitive disabilities, particularly those at higher risk. It’s similar to the Amber Alert for missing children, but focuses on vulnerable adults. In Arkansas, the Silver Alert system is administered by the Arkansas State Police, who works in conjunction with local emergency and law enforcement departments to get the message out to the public.
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