EL DORADO, AR – The El Dorado City Council convened in a special called session Tuesday evening with a single item on the agenda: filling the Ward Two vacancy left by the resignation of Alderman Vance Williamson.

Mayor Paul Choate opened the meeting by explaining that the Council would hear from three candidates, in the order their applications were submitted.

The first to speak was Don Miller, who began by thanking the Council for the opportunity. He highlighted more than 40 years of experience in business, emphasizing his roles as both a leader and administrator. Miller also pointed to his involvement with the local United Way and the El Dorado Advertising & Promotion Commission.

Following his remarks, Ward 3 Alderman Andre Rucks posed a question, noting that while business leadership and public service share similarities, they can also differ significantly. He asked how Miller would translate his business background into a servant-minded approach to governing.

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Miller responded quickly, pushing back on the idea that the two are fundamentally different. “People are the most important part of business,” he said, adding that his commitment to serving others began early in life, shaped by his upbringing and faith. He stressed that while profit may be the goal in business, it should never come at the expense of people.

Ward Two’s senior Alderman, Willie McGhee, asked how Miller planned to stay engaged with constituents if appointed. Miller said he intended to remain actively involved in the community and pointed to fellow Ward Two Alderman Judy Ward as an example, noting that he has often seen her walking neighborhood streets and looks forward to doing the same alongside her.

The Council next heard from Dr. Ken Bridges, who noted his 16 years as a Ward Two resident. He highlighted his role as founder of the South Arkansas Food Pantry and his service with Interfaith Services and Habitat for Humanity.

Bridges also spoke about his career as an educator, teaching history, geography, and political science, and said he encourages his students to see themselves as “part of the process.” He added that he is a syndicated columnist appearing in nearly 100 newspapers across Arkansas and Texas.

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Explaining his motivation for seeking the position, Bridges said, “I have 16,653 reasons—that’s the latest census estimate of our population in 2024.” He acknowledged the city’s long-term population decline, noting losses of 200 to 300 residents annually since 1980. While he said the trend could not be reversed in just a few months, he believes steps can be taken to begin addressing it.

When asked what the city government could improve, Bridges said he would like to ensure citizens feel heard and understand that their voices matter.

The final candidate, Veronica Smith-Creer, reminded the Council of her more than 30 years as a local small business owner. She also pointed to her service on the South Arkansas College Board of Directors, her involvement with the NAACP and Justice League, and her previous tenure as Mayor of El Dorado.

Smith-Creer spoke about hosting seven mayoral balls, which raised more than $20,000 for local nonprofits and charities. Still, she said her proudest role is being “Mimi” to her grandchildren.

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She assured the Council that, if selected, she would advocate for all Ward Two residents. When asked by Rucks how she would transition from mayor to alderman, Smith-Creer emphasized the importance of teamwork. “Being a good leader means being able to work as part of a team and being willing to be a team player,” she said.

After the candidates concluded their remarks, the Council voted. Don Miller received five votes, while Smith-Creer received two.

Following the meeting, all three candidates expressed appreciation for one another’s willingness to serve, with both Smith-Creer and Bridges congratulating Miller. He was then sworn in to fill the unexpired term.

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EL DORADO, AR — The public got its first opportunity to meet El Dorado’s new head football coach, Brett Shockley, during a meet-and-greet hosted by First Financial Bank at its corporate headquarters. The event gave Wildcat fans a chance to shake hands, swap stories, and get a glimpse of the program’s future.

Shockley made an immediate impression. His physical presence matches his résumé, but it was his easy smile and firm handshake that won over the room. Alongside him, his wife, Leigh Anne, drew just as much admiration, greeting visitors with a grace and warmth that didn’t go unnoticed.

Back in March, South Arkansas Now first reported Shockley’s hiring — a move many across the state viewed as a major win for El Dorado. A former Arkansas Razorback, Shockley spent more than two decades coaching at the collegiate level, at Ouachita Baptist University. As the Tigers’ offensive line and tight ends coach, he helped lead one of Division II’s most consistently productive offenses. He also served as recruiting coordinator for 17 years, a stretch that included 16 consecutive winning seasons.

That track record made Shockley a sought-after name.

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“When Ronnie Jones left Northwestern Oklahoma State, I kept hearing Brett was the obvious replacement,” said one Great American Conference assistant coach, speaking anonymously. “Then there was talk about Arkansas-Monticello when Coach Jackson stepped down. None of that happened. Next thing you know, he’s headed to El Dorado. That hire sent a message to 6A football in this state — ‘We are back.’”

Shockley steps in following the departure of Chris Hill, who left for a similar position in Alabama. He inherits a program with a proud tradition, including recent state championships under Steven Jones and fellow former Razorback Scott Reed.

Support for the hire has been widespread.

“We love the Shockleys!” Connie Reed wrote on social media following the announcement. Rex Nelson, Ouachita Baptist’s longtime play-by-play voice, echoed that sentiment. “He’s a one-of-a-kind coach. He demands full effort from his team — and he gets it. They just don’t come any better than Brett.”

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During the event, Shockley was asked about his team’s immediate needs. His answer drew laughs. “A quarterback,” he said with a grin, glancing toward El Dorado Athletic Director Elliot Jacobs, whose son Cannon was last season’s starter. “Somebody decided to graduate the last one.”

Then, shifting back to business, Shockley struck a confident tone. “Seriously, we’ve got five guys competing for the job, and they can all play. We’ll find our quarterback and be ready to go by August.”

If the early buzz is any indication, El Dorado fans are ready, too.

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EL DORADO, Ark. — The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce is recognizing Economic Development Week in Arkansas, highlighting ongoing efforts to support local industry and strengthen the regional economy.

Chamber officials said the observance provides an opportunity to spotlight the partnerships and initiatives that help drive growth across El Dorado and Union County.

“We’re proud to work alongside our partners to support local industry, create opportunities, and continue building a stronger future for El Dorado and Union County,” the Chamber said in a statement.

Economic Development Week is celebrated across the state to emphasize the importance of job creation, business retention and expansion, and strategic investment in local communities. In El Dorado and Union County, those efforts often include collaboration between the Chamber, local government leaders, educational institutions and private industry.

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Leaders say continued focus on economic development plays a key role in attracting new businesses while supporting those already established in the area, ultimately helping to create jobs and enhance quality of life for residents.

The Chamber noted that ongoing collaboration with community partners remains central to its mission of promoting sustainable growth and long-term success throughout the region.

EL DORADO, Ark. — Residents across South Arkansas, including El Dorado and Union County, should remain weather aware Wednesday as the threat of severe storms continues through the afternoon and into the evening hours.

According to the National Weather Service in Shreveport, storms are expected to develop along and ahead of an advancing cold front, with the greatest risk generally focused along and south of Interstate 30 — placing much of South Arkansas squarely in the threat area.

Forecasters say scattered severe storms could produce large hail, damaging winds and a few tornadoes during the peak window Wednesday afternoon and evening.

Current projections indicate:

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• Tornado threat: Low, but not zero
• Hail threat: Up to around quarter size or larger
• Wind threat: Gusts potentially reaching 60 mph or higher

El Dorado and surrounding communities fall within a slight risk (Level 2 out of 5) area, meaning scattered severe storms are possible, with some capable of becoming strong.

Meteorologists emphasize that while widespread severe weather is not expected, any individual storm could quickly become dangerous, especially as atmospheric conditions become more favorable during the late afternoon hours.

Emergency officials urge residents to:

• Have multiple ways to receive weather warnings
• Stay updated on the latest forecasts throughout the day
• Review and be ready to act on a severe weather safety plan

With storms expected to move through the region during a time when many people are active and traveling, situational awareness will be key.

Stay with South Arkansas Now for continued updates as conditions develop.

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EL DORADO, AR — Fans of Razorback sports and storytelling alike are in for a treat this summer as “Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth” takes center stage on June 4, 2026, inside the First Financial Music Hall at the Murphy Arts District. The evening will feature the unmistakable voice of the Arkansas Razorbacks, Chuck Barrett, whose play-by-play calls have become the soundtrack to countless unforgettable moments in Arkansas sports history. From heart-stopping finishes to locker room lore, Barrett will bring fans behind the microphone for an intimate, entertaining look at life in the broadcast booth. Serving as Master of Ceremonies is longtime Arkansas broadcaster and storyteller Rex Nelson, ensuring an evening filled with humor, insight, and a few well-timed curveballs.

This catered event will also satisfy more than just sports nostalgia. Dinner will be provided by Madhouse 101, with service beginning at 6:30 p.m., setting the stage for a full-sensory experience of great food and even better stories.

Event Details:

• Date: June 4, 2026
• Location: First Financial Music Hall at Murphy Arts District
• Dinner Service: 6:30 p.m.
• Ticket Price: $50 per person (plus applicable fees and taxes)
• Availability: Limited seating

Tickets will soon be available through the Murphy Arts District and online at Eldomad.com.

For those looking to elevate the experience, corporate tables are available and can be reserved by contacting:

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• Jax Sanford: 870-918-0330
• B.A. “Sandy” Sanford: 870-315-4704

Whether you’re a lifelong Razorback fan or simply someone who enjoys a good story told well, this event promises an evening where the echoes of the stadium meet the warmth of the stage.