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SAU Launches Public Policy Fellowship

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MAGNOLIA – Southern Arkansas University is proud to announce the launch of a new Public Policy Fellowship, created in partnership with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, and Public Policy Center. This initiative is designed to provide Master of Public Administration students with hands-on experience in policy research, civic engagement, and public service, helping to shape the next generation of leaders in Arkansas.

The fellowship offers students opportunities to engage directly with policy issues affecting their communities, work alongside experts in the field, and contribute to research that informs public decision-making. Through mentorship, experiential learning, and professional development, participants will gain valuable insight into the policymaking process at both the state and local levels.

“This fellowship represents an incredible opportunity for our students to develop the skills and knowledge needed to impact their communities in meaningful ways,” said Amber Overholser, MPA program director. “By partnering with the Public Policy Center, we are equipping our students with the tools to navigate complex policy challenges and drive positive change throughout the state.”

One of the first fellows of the program, LaNyce Hemphill, a Public Administration graduate student at SAU, shared her enthusiasm about the fellowship. “The public administration program has been a great place for me to further my education in policy making and hone the skills it takes to work in public administration. When I heard about the fellowship, I immediately jumped at the opportunity because I knew it would be a great way to continue my learning process, which has been so enriching through my curriculum.”

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Ms. Hemphill, who plans to attend law school after graduating in the summer of 2025, is currently working on research related to emerging policy issues and constructing a grant application for her community service initiative, Ladies Lead Confidence is Key. “I hope to create a shift in the way Arkansans view policy making and foster a more educated citizenry,” Hemphill said. “Through this fellowship, I’m excited to contribute to policy efforts that will have a lasting impact on our state.”

The Public Policy Fellowship aligns with SAU’s commitment to preparing students for careers in public service, law, advocacy, and beyond. With a focus on real-world applications, fellows will engage in policy analysis, conduct research on pressing issues, and collaborate with stakeholders across the state.

Kristin Netterstrom Higgins, Public Policy Center Program Associate, shared, “The policy decisions being made today will affect Arkansans for decades,” said Kristin Higgins with the Public Policy Center. “This partnership expands the opportunity for reaching Arkansans with neutral information on policy areas that matter to them.”

SAU donors generously support the Public Policy Fellowship through an endowment.   For more information about the program, visit https://web.saumag.edu/mpa2/.

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Victim Identified In Highway Seven Fatal Wreck

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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.

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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.

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Missing Senior Found! Silver Alert Cancelled!

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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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Heavy Rainfall Could Cause Flooding Across Region

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EL DORADO — The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a warning for the possibility of localized heavy rainfall and minor flooding across South Arkansas today, Friday, June 13.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop throughout the day, with rainfall totals reaching up to an inch in many areas. Isolated spots could see even higher amounts, leading to potential flooding in low-lying or poorly drained areas.

The region falls under a “Marginal Risk” category for excessive rainfall, according to the latest forecast map, which includes Union, Columbia, and Ouachita counties. Areas just north of El Dorado and into parts of Central Arkansas are under a “Slight Risk,” where rainfall could be more concentrated.

Emergency officials are urging drivers to exercise caution.

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“Do not drive across flooded roads,” the National Weather Service advises. “Turn around, don’t drown.”

Forecasters say the rain could lead to temporary travel delays, ponding on roadways, and brief rises in small streams and creeks.

For updates throughout the day, residents are encouraged to monitor local news outlets and check weather.gov/shv.

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Ground Broken on Union County Communications Center in El Dorado

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EL DORADO — Local officials and emergency personnel gathered Thursday to break ground on the new Union County Communications Center, a centralized facility that will house all city and county 911 dispatch operations under one roof.

The new center is designed to improve coordination and response times across the region by unifying emergency dispatch services for both El Dorado and Union County. Once completed, it will serve as the hub for all emergency communication, bringing together city and county dispatchers for the first time in a single, state-of-the-art location.

“We are so excited to welcome this facility to our community,” the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce said in a statement. “This centralized center will help ensure faster, more efficient emergency response services for all of Union County.”

Local leaders praised the work of dispatchers and emergency personnel, highlighting their tireless efforts to keep the community safe. The Chamber extended its gratitude, saying, “Thank you to all of the dispatchers and emergency personnel who work around the clock to keep our community safe!”

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Construction is expected to continue through the coming months, with a projected opening date to be announced later this year.

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Camden Chamber To Host Membership Drive June 19th

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CAMDEN — The Camden Regional Chamber of Commerce is set to usher in a new era of community and business engagement with its upcoming event, “Ignite & Invite: Relaunch + Member Drive 2025,” scheduled for Thursday, June 19 at 5:00 p.m. at the Historic Missouri Train Depot, located at 314 Adams Avenue.

The event marks a significant milestone for the Chamber as it renews its focus on strengthening local business connections, expanding membership, and energizing civic participation. Organizers say the relaunch will spotlight new initiatives, fresh programming, and revitalized efforts to unite entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders across the Camden region.

“This relaunch is more than a celebration — it’s a movement,” said Tomeka Warren, Executive Director of the Camden Regional Chamber of Commerce. “We’re calling on local business owners, civic leaders, and residents to come together and take part in the exciting future we’re shaping for Camden.”

Attendees will enjoy light refreshments, giveaways, and networking opportunities, along with the chance to enroll or renew memberships on-site. The Chamber will also unveil new member benefits and upcoming events designed to support and promote the local business community.

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The event is open to all—current and former members, as well as those interested in learning more about the Chamber’s role and resources.

For more details, visit the Camden Regional Chamber of Commerce Facebook page or contact the Chamber office at 870-836-6426 or chamberdirectorcamden@gmail.com.

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