News
SAU awarded $2.75 Million workforce grant

MAGNOLIA – In a major step toward securing U.S. mineral independence and driving economic growth in Southwest Arkansas, Southern Arkansas University has been awarded $2.75 million by the Higher Industry Readiness through Educational Development (HIRED) Workforce Grant. The grant supports the development of an innovative workforce training initiative, LiTHIUMLEARNS. Southwest Arkansas educators, industry professionals, and economic developers are partnering to ensure the workforce is ready to meet the demands of the future.
LiTHIUMLEARNS is a collaborative partnership between Southern Arkansas University, regional K-12 school districts, SAU Tech, South Arkansas College (SouthArk), the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana (UAHT), and regional workforce development organizations, such as Apprenticely and The Venture Center. These partnerships aim to create a comprehensive network of support services, including education, training, and professional certification programs, to build a skilled workforce for the rapidly growing lithium industry in Southwest Arkansas. The Venture Center, for instance, will develop a LiTHIUMWORKS program committed to placing prepared workers with lithium employers in the area.
According to the Arkansas Division of Higher Education website, the Workforce Initiative Act of 2015 (A.C.A. § 6-60-107) established the HIRED grant because “preparing and encouraging Arkansans to pursue high-demand jobs is essential to building a skilled and employment-ready workforce.”
Dr. Bruno Hicks, president of Southern Arkansas University, expressed his enthusiasm about the impact this grant will have: “This grant marks a pivotal moment for both Southern Arkansas University and the entire region. It offers a significant opportunity to align our academic programs with the rapidly growing lithium industry, ensuring that our students are equipped with the skills and certifications required for these high-demand jobs. This initiative will not only strengthen our workforce but also foster long-term economic growth in Southwest Arkansas.”
The HIRED Workforce Grant will support the creation of a mobile stem lab, designed to bring hands-on learning experiences directly to local communities across Southwest Arkansas. This initiative will enhance access to critical science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, equipping students and workers with the skills necessary for careers in the rapidly expanding lithium industry. Additionally, the grant will fund the development of a comprehensive network of educational programs aimed at building the capacity of the region’s natural science workforce.
By strengthening education and training infrastructure, the LiTHIUMLEARNS initiative will help ensure that the region’s workforce is prepared for the future while fostering long-term economic growth and workforce sustainability in Southwest Arkansas.
“The HIRED Grant serves as another example of SAU’s role as a central hub for collaboration and regional transformation, uniting stakeholders to advance workforce development through education, innovation, and partnerships that strengthen our community and fuel economic growth,” stated Dr. Robin Sronce, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs.
For more information about the LiTHIUMLEARNS initiative, please email lithiumlearns@saumag.edu.
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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