UNION COUNTY, AR – Sheriff Charlie Phillips, at 10:03 this morning, activated an emergency notice to citizrens of Union County, Arkansas. The notice says, “Please exercise caution when traveling on Oakland Road near the Stateline. There is an overturned 18-wheeler and traffic is down to one lane at this time.”

There is no mention of injuries or hazards beyond the single lane closure. As more information becomes available, South Arkansas Now will pass it along.

EL DORADO — Dangerous heat will continue across South Arkansas as a Heat Advisory remains in effect through 7 p.m. Tuesday, with afternoon heat index values expected to climb as high as 109 degrees.

The National Weather Service in Shreveport says high temperatures across the region will range from the middle 90s to near 100 degrees. When combined with high humidity, conditions could make it feel between 105 and 109 degrees during the hottest portions of the afternoon.

The advisory includes portions of southwest and south-central Arkansas, including the El Dorado area, as well as southeast Oklahoma, East Texas and northern and central Louisiana.

Anyone spending time outdoors is urged to take precautions, particularly during the afternoon. Those working outside should take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas and drink plenty of water. Strenuous outdoor activities should be postponed until cooler parts of the day when possible.

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Residents should also wear lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing and never leave children or pets unattended inside a vehicle. The National Weather Service notes that fans alone may not provide adequate protection during extreme heat, and those with access to air conditioning are encouraged to use it.

People should also know the warning signs of heat-related illness. Heat exhaustion can include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps and cool or clammy skin. Anyone experiencing those symptoms should move to a cooler location, drink water and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Warning signs can include confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures and extremely high body temperature. If heat stroke is suspected, call 911 immediately and begin cooling the person while waiting for emergency help. Do not give fluids to an unconscious person.

Older adults, young children, people with chronic medical conditions and those who work or exercise outdoors can be especially vulnerable to heat-related illness. Residents are also encouraged to check on relatives, friends and neighbors who may not have reliable air conditioning.

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The Heat Advisory is scheduled to remain in effect through 7 p.m. Tuesday.

EL DORADO — The El Dorado School District Orchestras are turning mattresses into music with a special one-day fundraiser benefiting the district’s orchestra programs.

The El Dorado School District Orchestras will host a Mattress Sale Fundraiser from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, in the El Dorado High School cafeteria.

Organizers say the event will feature a selection of mattresses from major brands along with other sleep-related products. Shoppers will also be able to purchase items including pillows and mattress toppers.

A portion of each purchase made during the event will benefit the El Dorado School District Orchestras, providing an opportunity for residents to shop for products they may already need while supporting local student musicians.

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Organizers are encouraging members of the community to spread the word about the fundraiser, particularly to friends and family members who may be planning to purchase a new mattress or other sleep products.

The fundraiser will be held for one day only, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the El Dorado High School cafeteria. Proceeds from purchases will benefit the El Dorado School District Orchestras.

MAGNOLIA – Astronauts know the strange feeling of returning to Earth after a flight in space.

NASA employee Chris Blanks now knows what it is like to re-enter a world after a long absence.

Blanks, a lead SharePoint developer with NASA in Houston, has returned to Southern Arkansas University to complete his degree more than 20 years after first enrolling.

“It’s a goal that I’ve had,” Blanks said of his return to SAU. “Regardless of the success I’ve had in life, there’s a level of fulfillment in me for finishing college.”

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Blanks began at SAU in the summer of 2004 after being recruited to play defensive end for the Muleriders out of Elsik High School in Houston. Even as a freshman, he knew he wanted to pursue a career in a technical field. However, he had no idea of the twists and turns his life would take.

“Going into college, I always wanted to be an engineer, so I always had my sights set on something technical,” Blanks said. “With the degree options available at SAU, I thought I might end up in the field of information systems.”

Blanks attended SAU and played for the Muleriders through the fall of 2005 before returning home with hopes of continuing his football career.

“I took a step back and returned to the Houston area,” Blanks said. “I wanted to put myself in a position to continue my football career in a different place closer to home.”

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After attending community college for a year, Blanks enrolled at Prairie View A&M University in the spring of 2007 with plans to join the football team. However, issues with his transfer prevented him from joining the team.

During this time, he began working toward a degree in information systems. “That laid the foundation for my career now and my return to SAU,” Blanks said.

Another turning point came in 2007 when Blanks earned an internship with M-I SWACO, a drilling company that provided environmental solutions. As an intern, Blanks built prototypes for drilling solutions, including a method for extracting fluids from oil-saturated cuttings pulled during drilling.

“We did it in a way that was environmentally safe,” Blanks said.

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The company was acquired by Schlumberger in 2010. Blanks went on to work as a control systems engineer and business analyst, spending time in Italy during his final year with the company.

In 2013, Blanks accepted a position as a technical systems analyst with BMC Software in the Houston area, where he worked on a company rebranding project. He then became a senior business systems analyst with Anadarko Petroleum Corp. in the fall of 2014.

Five years later, Blanks joined Occidental Drilling Solutions. When the COVID-19 pandemic began the following spring, he transitioned to remote work as an IT consultant with Sony Corporation of America.

Blanks joined NASA in May of 2025 and still finds it a dream come true.

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“It’s amazing. It’s a dream,” Blanks said. “I spent a lot of time looking up at the stars and wondering what was out there. And to be one step closer is a dream to me.”

Chris Blanks and daughter, Christian

A visit to the SAU campus in 2025 reignited his desire to finish what he had started more than two decades earlier.

Blanks has a 15-year-old daughter, Christian, and hopes his commitment to completing his education will serve as an example to her.

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“I hope that my returning to school can be an example to her,” Blanks said. “When I advocate for education, I don’t want there to be any appearance of being a hypocrite or any doubt in her ability to accomplish any goal that she sets for herself.”

“When she sees me up late, she’s always asking if she can help with my homework,” Blanks added with a laugh.

During his first years at SAU, Blanks became a member of the Kappa Iota chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He has remained an active alumnus of the organization.

Blanks returned to the classroom at SAU in spring 2026, taking his first classes at the University in more than 20 years. He was named to the Dean’s List and is set to earn his associate degree in December. He is on track to graduate with a degree in information systems analytics in spring 2028.

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He hopes his story will inspire others who may be considering returning to college after time away.

“I think about how immensely blessed I have been,” Blanks said. “I think about what this means to those around me. It’s a blessing to be able to help others and help my daughter.”

For those who wonder whether they, like Blanks, can return to school after years away, he has an emphatic answer.

“You can do it,” Blanks said. “It’s never too late. There are opportunities. If you really want to do it, you’ll find a way.”

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The El Dorado City Council met Thursday night, Sept. 10, with discussions ranging from airport improvements and outdoor recreation to public comment procedures and the city’s partnership with South Arkansas College.

The meeting began with the council welcoming Dr. Ayo Eluwole, a cardiologist who has opened his own clinic in El Dorado.

Eluwole, who said he prefers to go by Dr. Joy, explained that “Ayo” means “joy” in his native language. He is originally from Southwest Nigeria and has lived and worked in El Dorado for the past two years.

Eluwole said El Dorado has treated him well during his time in the community and described the city as a great place to call home.

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Citizen raises concerns over last-minute agenda items

The council also heard from a community member during public comments.

The speaker raised concerns about items being added to City Council meeting agendas at the last minute. He pointed out that citizens who want to address an issue before the council may not have an opportunity to sign up for public comment if the issue was not included on the published agenda.

The council voted to allow him additional time beyond the designated five-minute public comment period so he could continue addressing his concerns.

He also discussed funding for maintenance of the city’s parks. He argued that the Parks and Recreation Board should not have to make individual financial requests for maintenance dollars and that those funds should instead be included as part of the Parks and Recreation Board’s budget.

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Council considers approximately $1.1 million for airport improvements

The WINS Board also came before the council to request the reallocation of unused funds associated with improvements at the El Dorado Airport.

Approximately $490,000 remains from work completed on the airport terminal, while roughly $660,000 allocated for runway improvements remains available because the El Dorado Airport received a grant for those improvements.

Together, the unused funds total approximately $1.1 million.

The WINS Board is proposing that the money be redirected toward additional airport improvements, including general upkeep, drainage improvements and construction of another parking lot.

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The request comes as airport usage has increased, with the existing parking lot reportedly beginning to overflow. Increased usage has been attributed in part to Contour Jet Services.

South Arkansas College discusses conference center agreement

Dr. Stephanie Tully-Dartez, president of South Arkansas College, also addressed the council.

Tully-Dartez presented information concerning the mutually beneficial agreement between the city and South Arkansas College for use of the South Arkansas College Conference Center. The current contract is set to expire in 2027.

During her presentation, Tully-Dartez also highlighted enrollment growth at South Arkansas College. She said the college has seen a 4% increase in enrollment for the current semester.

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Tully-Dartez also spoke about the connection between the college and the El Dorado community. She noted that many students spent their first Sunday after moving into the dorms attending local churches, which she said demonstrated how students are becoming involved in the community.

Tully-Dartez also gave updates on the construction of Bill Howard Ballpark, noting incredible progress on the project. She says that information on season tickets and general information should be available in October.

Council approves application for outdoor recreation grant

Michael Rogers of MR Design appeared before the council to present a resolution seeking approval to apply for an outdoor recreation matching grant through the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.

The proposed grant would support the development and improvement of outdoor bike trails throughout El Dorado, including trails around Maddox Park, Old City Park and Lions Club Municipal Park.

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According to the presentation, the grant would reimburse the city for half of the project’s cost. The project is intended to improve outdoor recreation opportunities and quality of life for residents.

Councilman Andre Rucks questioned Rogers about whether the proper channels and procedures were being followed in connection with the proposed projects.

Rogers confirmed that the appropriate procedures were being followed.

The City Council unanimously approved the resolution authorizing the city to apply for the grant.

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The next Parks and Recreation Board meeting is scheduled for Sept. 22 at noon, where additional information about the proposed outdoor recreation projects is expected to be available.

Hospital Tax Board ordinance

The council also discussed the Hospital Tax Board ordinance.

The second reading of the ordinance occured, and the third reading and final passage are scheduled to take place at the next El Dorado City Council meeting.

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