MOTICELLO, AR – Emergency workers, along with police were called out to a scene of a reported, “domestic disturbance,” at approximately 4:00 A.M. on Memorial Day. When police arrived and surrounded the Bolling street home they ordered the occupants from the house. According to witnesses at the scene, when there was no response, police made their way into the residence. Once inside they found the bodies of a 19 year old girl, her grandmother, and the 19 year old’s boyfriend. According to family members, they believe the domestic situation turned into a murder suicide where the boyfriend took the lives of the 19 year old and her grandmother before turning the gun on himself.

Once inside the home police discovered the 19 year old’s great-grandfather was inside but unharmed. The investigation is ongoing and when more information becomes available, we will pass it along.

EL DORADO — El Dorado High School has announced its delegates for the 2026 Arkansas Boys State and Arkansas Girls State programs, recognizing students selected to participate in two of the state’s premier leadership and citizenship programs.

The students will represent El Dorado during the annual summer programs sponsored by the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Selected as 2026 Arkansas Girls State delegates are Yakenia Aaron, Rosalie Alatorre, Ke’Asia Brice, Aileen Chen, Avelyn Chen, A’Khiya Elliott, Lilly Hyde, Aaliyah Jackson, Trinity Jones, Emma Kelley, Sarahy Mendoza, Addison Moore, Clair Wade and Janijah Wafers. Makayla Pope and Alexis Willis were also selected but were not pictured.

Chosen as Arkansas Boys State delegates are Abraham Aguiluz, Gus Askea, Ignacio Chavez, Jackson Gibson, Garrett Johnson, Cortland Lee, Jackson Lee, Mason Moore, Harrison Lowry, Landon Parks, Victor Marquez, Braylon Robinson, Samuel Singleton, Tacoby Vanhook and Ryder Rambo. Ari Urbina was also selected but was not pictured.

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Arkansas Girls State and Arkansas Boys State are leadership and government education programs designed to teach high school students about civic engagement, public service and how local and state government operates.

During the weeklong programs, students participate in mock government exercises by forming cities, counties and state governments while campaigning for offices, debating legislation and learning about the responsibilities of citizenship and leadership.

Arkansas Girls State is sponsored annually by the American Legion Auxiliary, while Arkansas Boys State is organized through the American Legion. Both programs have a long history nationwide and are considered among the most respected student leadership opportunities in the country.

Many past participants in Boys State and Girls State programs across the United States have gone on to careers in public service, law, business, military leadership and education.

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School officials congratulated the students on their selection and recognition as representatives of El Dorado High School.

EL DORADO — Community members gathered Thursday morning at the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce to honor Vance Williamson for his years of service and leadership in the community.

The reception, hosted by the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce, was held from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. at the Chamber office. Organizers invited residents and business leaders to attend and thank Williamson for his commitment, vision, and dedication to El Dorado.

In promotional materials for the event, organizers praised Williamson’s impact on the community and recognized his leadership efforts

EL DORADO — The National Weather Service in Shreveport is warning residents across the Four State Region to prepare for multiple rounds of heavy rainfall from now through the Memorial Day holiday weekend, raising concerns about possible flash flooding in parts of the region.

According to the National Weather Service, a “conveyor belt” of upper-level disturbances is expected to move across the region through Monday, bringing repeated chances for showers and thunderstorms capable of producing excessive rainfall. Forecasters said while it will not rain continuously throughout the entire period, several waves of storms are expected to develop, with periods of heavy rainfall possible each day.

Meteorologists said the repeated rainfall over several days could lead to flooding concerns, especially in low-lying areas, locations with poor drainage, and areas that receive repeated rounds of thunderstorms.

The Weather Service is urging residents to closely monitor forecasts and remain alert for potential Flash Flood Warnings through the upcoming weekend and Memorial Day.

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Officials also reminded drivers to avoid traveling through flooded roadways, noting that water-covered roads can quickly become dangerous.

EL DORADO — Steven Jones, president and CEO of the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce, was recently featured in an interview with Lithium-Link.com discussing South Arkansas’ role in the emerging lithium industry and how Union County is preparing for future economic growth.

During the interview, Jones said the chamber is focused on helping build long-term momentum around lithium development rather than simply waiting for a “lithium boom” to occur.

Jones said Union County leaders remain in close communication with companies involved in the lithium sector, including Standard Lithium, Lanxess and businesses participating in the Arkansas Lithium Technology Accelerator.

According to Jones, much of the lithium industry remains in an evaluation and development stage, particularly surrounding what he described as the “missing midstream” — the manufacturing, processing and supply-chain infrastructure that could follow lithium extraction operations.

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“Bring your project to Union County and we’ve got the folks to show you how to get it done,” Jones said during the interview.

Jones pointed to Union County’s longstanding industrial background in bromine, oil and gas, chemical manufacturing and energy production as major advantages for companies considering investment in South Arkansas.

He also highlighted community assets such as the Murphy Arts District, the El Dorado Promise scholarship program and the region’s expanding health care industry as tools for recruiting workers, families and new businesses to the area.

Jones said local officials are also focused on site readiness, infrastructure improvements and regional collaboration as communities across the Smackover Formation position themselves for potential lithium-related development.

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Among the advantages Jones cited was industrial water access from the Ouachita River, which he said could play a key role in attracting future industrial projects.

He added that local employers, educational institutions, health care providers and economic development organizations are working together to present a unified regional strategy for growth.

Lithium-Link.com is an online publication and media platform focused on the growing lithium and battery materials industry. The organization covers developments in lithium extraction, electric vehicle supply chains, battery manufacturing, energy storage and related economic development projects across North America and internationally.

South Arkansas has become a major focus in recent years due to growing interest in lithium-rich brine deposits located within the Smackover Formation, a geologic region stretching across parts of South Arkansas and neighboring states. Industry leaders and state officials have increasingly promoted the region as a potential domestic source for lithium production used in electric vehicle batteries and energy storage technology.

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In the full interview, Jones also discussed highway infrastructure improvements and the role local employers are playing in recruiting future industry to Union County.