LITTLE ROCK — In a historic decision, the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission has approved the state’s first royalty rate for lithium extraction, paving the way for a major new industry in South Arkansas.

The Commission unanimously voted to set a 2.5% royalty rate for the Reynolds Unit, part of Phase I of Smackover Lithium’s South West Arkansas Project. In addition to the royalty, landowners will receive an annual fee of $65.05 per acre, making the total compensation roughly 3% based on current lithium prices.

This decision is a key step in the development of lithium production in the region and sets a precedent for future lithium brine extraction projects in Arkansas.

Smackover Lithium is a joint venture between Standard Lithium and Equinor, and the company plans to produce 22,500 tonnes of battery-quality lithium carbonate each year from the Reynolds Unit. Full commercial operations are expected to begin by 2028.

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The lithium extracted will be used in electric vehicle batteries and other energy storage systems, positioning South Arkansas as a potential hub for the growing clean energy economy.

EL DORADO – Residents in Southwest Arkansas should remain weather aware today as the National Weather Service in Shreveport highlights a marginal risk for severe weather across the region.

The Level 1 of 5 threat extends from late this afternoon through the overnight hours, impacting areas of Southeast Oklahoma, Northeast Texas, and Southwest Arkansas. While not all areas may see storms during the daytime, rainfall and thunderstorm activity could pick up late this evening and continue overnight.

The primary threats include damaging wind gusts of 60 miles per hour or more and hail up to quarter size, especially with stronger storms that may develop in isolated pockets.

Forecasters note that while the overall risk is low, scattered storms could become severe, prompting a need for residents to have multiple ways of receiving weather alerts, particularly during nighttime hours when visibility is limited.

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Storms could impact parts of the Four State Region—including portions of El Dorado, Texarkana, and surrounding communities—as conditions become more favorable later in the evening.

Jim Andrews

EL DORADO – Former Circuit Court Judge Jim Andrews announced today that he is seeking the Republican nomination for the Arkansas House of Representatives, District 97, which includes El Dorado, Parker’s Chapel, Junction City, Wyatt and other portions of Union County.  The seat is currently held by State Representative and former Speaker of the House Matthew Shepherd, who is term-limited and will conclude his service at the end of 2026.

An experienced Arkansas attorney and U.S. Navy Reserve veteran, Andrews brings a broad background in law, business, and public service.  From 2023 – 2024, he served as a Circuit Court Judge in Arkansas’s 13th Judicial District after being appointed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.  Although his judicial term concluded at the end of 2024, he has remained active in state government by serving as a Special Justice at the Arkansas Supreme Court.

Prior to his judgeship, Andrews served as Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary for El Dorado-based Deltic Timber Corporation, helping lead the company through a transformative merger that created the $3 billion PotlatchDeltic Corporation. He later served as General Counsel for the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, where he was instrumental in resolving environmental disputes, securing federal recreational land leases, and implementing a $40 million pandemic-era relief program for Arkansas businesses.

“My roots in Union County run deep and with a solid background in business and the Executive and Judicial branches of state government, I hope to take that experience to the Legislature- serving with integrity, transparency, fiscal responsibility, and delivering positive results,” stated Andrews. “I’m running to ensure District 97 continues to benefit from the strong leadership it’s had under Rep. Shepherd. If elected, I’ll build on his legacy by working to further strengthen our local economy, education, public safety, and ensure accountable government.”

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Andrews’s qualifications have been recognized by business and community leaders across the state and his campaign is supported by a broad coalition of supporters, including El Dorado businessman Gary Sewell, who will be serving as his campaign chairman, and by current Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin.

“Having worked with Jim in the past on the Arkansas Economic Development Council and on the Southern Arkansas University College of Business Advisory Council, I’ve seen his integrity and work ethic firsthand. I know South Arkansas will be well-represented and well-served by electing him to the Arkansas House of Representatives,” said Sewell.

“Jim is a sixth generation Union County resident, and he is ready to put his experience and conservative Republican principles to work for the citizens of District 97,” said Griffin. “He has my full support and endorsement and will make an excellent state representative.”

Jim and his wife, Amanda, have four children and live in El Dorado. They are members of Immanuel Baptist Church in El Dorado.

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EL DORADO — The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome The Nail Bar, a new upscale nail salon, to the local business community.

The event is scheduled for Monday, June 2, 2025, at 11 a.m. and will take place at 506 N. West Avenue in El Dorado. Community members and local leaders are invited to attend the public celebration, which will last approximately 30 minutes.

The Nail Bar offers a variety of professional services, including manicures, pedicures, and facial waxing, all in a modern and stylish setting. Chamber officials encourage residents to stop by, show their support, and help officially welcome the business to the neighborhood.

With its sleek ambiance and commitment to customer care, The Nail Bar aims to become a go-to destination for beauty and relaxation in South Arkansas.

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EL DORADO — Eight-year-old Devonta Hill of Yocum Elementary is celebrating a sweet victory after being named the grand prize winner of a regional fundraising drawing held by World’s Finest Chocolate.

The second-grader was randomly selected from thousands of participating students across Arkansas and Louisiana, each of whom sold at least two boxes of the popular fundraising chocolate during their spring school campaigns. As the winner, Devonta received a $1,000 cash prize.

Devonta’s fundraising efforts included selling boxes of chocolate to neighbors, friends, and family members. Each box contained a mix of the iconic $1 chocolate bars known to many through school fundraisers.

The drawing was part of World’s Finest Chocolate’s broader mission to help schools raise money for essentials such as classroom supplies, technology upgrades, and field trips.

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“We are so proud of Devonta and all the students who worked hard to support our school through this fundraiser,” said Yocum Elementary Principal Jessica Moore. “Their dedication and teamwork are what make our school community so special.”