EL DORADO – Residents across South Arkansas should keep an eye on the sky this afternoon as showers and thunderstorms may push into the region from Texas and Louisiana. While the highest severe weather risk today is focused on central Louisiana and parts of East Texas, the National Weather Service notes that some storms could extend northward into southern portions of Arkansas.

According to the NWS Shreveport office, the overall severe threat remains low across the region. However, a few stronger thunderstorms could produce gusty winds and hail. The primary hazards include damaging wind gusts of 60 miles per hour or more and large hail up to quarter size.

The risk is classified as a Level 1 out of 5 – a marginal risk – meaning isolated severe storms are possible, but widespread impacts are not expected. Forecasters emphasize that any strong storms will likely develop during the afternoon and evening hours.

Residents are advised to remain weather aware throughout the day and have multiple ways to receive warnings in case conditions worsen.

EL DORADO — Fifteen individuals involved in a large-scale South Arkansas drug trafficking operation have been sentenced to a combined 1,591 months—more than 132 years—in federal prison, following a series of sentencing hearings held in U.S. District Court in El Dorado between August 2024 and May 2025.

The organization, led by 45-year-old Christopher Walters of Magnolia, operated between August 2021 and August 2022, distributing kilograms of methamphetamine across Columbia County and surrounding areas. Walters received methamphetamine shipments from California supplier Michael Cummings, a 46-year-old businessman based in Los Angeles, who used Robert Leonne Morris, age 47, to transport narcotics to Arkansas, sometimes by rail. The drugs were then stored, distributed, and sold locally by Walters’ network of associates, generating substantial profits shared with the California suppliers.

On August 10, 2022, law enforcement agencies executed coordinated search warrants across Columbia County, seizing methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, over 15 firearms—including tactical rifles—and thousands of dollars in cash from properties linked to the drug operation.

A federal grand jury later returned indictments charging all 15 individuals with multiple felony counts related to drug trafficking. All defendants pleaded guilty to one or more felony violations of the Controlled Substances Act.

Sentences included:

• Christopher Walters, 45, Magnolia – 222 months (Dec. 6, 2024)
• Michael Cummings, 46, Los Angeles – 162 months (Mar. 21, 2025)
• Jvance Radford, 47, Magnolia – 144 months (Aug. 22, 2024)
• Joseph Lowe, 38, Magnolia – 140 months (Aug. 12, 2024)
• Robert Leonne Morris, 47, Los Angeles – 121 months (May 21, 2025)
• Lacadran Thomas, 37, Magnolia – 120 months (Aug. 22, 2024)
• Marcus Jordan, 42, Waldo – 110 months (Dec. 4, 2024)
• Hendrick Johnson, 27, Magnolia – 108 months (Sept. 11, 2024)
• Dawnisha Jordan, 40, Magnolia – 98 months (Aug. 7, 2024)
• John Grissom, 40, Magnolia – 97 months (Aug. 7, 2024)
• Jarrod Wilson, 38, Magnolia – 78 months (Mar. 20, 2025)
• Nyterious Sharp, 32, Waldo – 60 months (Aug. 23, 2024)
• Antonio Johnson, 41, Magnolia – 54 months (Aug. 22, 2024)
• Malaysia Benjamin, 36, Los Angeles – 41 months (Dec. 5, 2024)
• Mario Meadows, 36, Magnolia – 36 months (May 21, 2025)

In addition to prison time, Cummings was ordered to pay a $100,000 money judgment, representing the profits he earned from the methamphetamine distribution. The judgment is enforceable against his assets in California and other locations.

The investigation was conducted by the Magnolia Police Department, 13th Judicial District Drug Task Force, Union County Sheriff’s Office, El Dorado Police Department, Arkansas State Police, and the FBI, under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) program. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham Jones.

EL DORADO — The El Dorado School District will honor its most outstanding educators at the upcoming Teacher Excellence Awards, set for Thursday, May 29 at 1:30 p.m. in the El Dorado High School Auditorium.

This special event will recognize exceptional teachers from across the district, celebrating both finalists and semi-finalists for the Teacher Excellence Awards. The ceremony will also include the announcement of the 2025 District Teacher of the Year.

District leaders are encouraging the community to attend and show support for the educators who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of El Dorado students.

The awards highlight dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence in education and are among the most anticipated recognitions of the school year.

CAMDEN — U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, a native of Camden and former high school football coach in South Arkansas, has announced his candidacy for governor of Alabama in the 2026 election.

Tuberville was born and raised in Camden and graduated from Harmony Grove High School in 1972. He went on to play football at Southern Arkansas University, then known as Southern State College, where he was a defensive back for the Muleriders. After college, he began his coaching career at Hermitage High School before moving into the collegiate ranks.

He later served as head football coach at Ole Miss, Auburn, Texas Tech, and Cincinnati, building a high-profile career in college athletics before entering politics. In 2020, Tuberville was elected to the U.S. Senate representing Alabama.

His campaign for governor emphasizes key issues including manufacturing, education, and border security. Tuberville has stated that he meets Alabama’s constitutional requirement of seven years of residency, noting Auburn as his primary residence since 2019.

The announcement of his candidacy marks a return to executive ambitions for the former coach and further elevates the profile of a South Arkansas native whose career has spanned athletics and public service.

EL DORADO — The South Arkansas Arts Center is inviting the community to a creative evening of art and fun at June’s Corks and Canvas event, “Just Hangin’ Out,” on Thursday, June 19 at 6 p.m.

Led by SAAC artist and Yocum Elementary School art teacher Nicole McAdams, the event will offer participants the opportunity to paint and personalize their own summer-themed door hangers using 18-inch wooden rounds and acrylic paints.

“Summer is the perfect time to add a fun, functional piece to your home or porch,” said McAdams. “I look forward to helping participants unleash their creativity and craft a door hanger that reflects their unique style.”

The event is open to all skill levels, from beginners to experienced artists. The $40 registration fee includes all art supplies and a selection of snacks. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite beverages to enjoy during the evening.

Corks and Canvas events at SAAC are known for their relaxed, social atmosphere and are designed to foster artistic expression and community connection.

Registration for “Just Hangin’ Out” is available online at www.saac-arts.org or by calling the SAAC office at 870-862-5474.