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Senate Bill Proposes Statewide School Cell Phone Ban

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LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Senate has introduced Senate Bill 142, titled the “Bell to Bell, No Cell Act,” aimed at restricting student use of personal electronic devices in public schools during school hours.

Sponsored by a coalition of state senators and representatives, the bill seeks to address concerns over the impact of cellphone use on students’ academic performance and mental well-being. Lawmakers argue that widespread cellphone use in schools has led to distractions, increased social media influence, and potential safety concerns.

Key Provisions of SB142:

  • Mandatory Restrictions: By the 2025-2026 school year, all public schools and open-enrollment charter schools must implement policies prohibiting student use of personal electronic devices during school hours.
  • Limited Exemptions: Students may only use devices in emergency situations, for health-related reasons, or if required under an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 plan.
  • School Responsibility: Districts must publish their electronic device policies online and enforce them consistently. Schools that fail to comply could face citations for violating Arkansas Standards for Accreditation.
  • Liability Protection: Schools will not be held responsible for confiscated devices that are lost, stolen, or damaged.

Supporters of the bill say it strikes a balance between maintaining communication channels for emergencies and eliminating classroom distractions. Critics argue it may limit students’ access to technology for educational purposes.

If passed, the bill would take effect in time for the 2025-2026 school year.

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Hotter Temps, Thunderstorms Expected Today

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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.

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El Dorado Seeks Applicants for Historic District Commission Seat

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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.

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The city welcomes diverse applicants and encourages anyone passionate about El Dorado’s history and community development to step forward and apply.

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Ouachita County Library Announces Summer Reading Program Schedule

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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.

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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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