Featured

Smackover Lithium Project Could Bring Long-Term Economic Impact to South Arkansas

Published

6 hours ago

May 28, 2026

J.W. Misenheimer

EL DORADO, Ark. — As lithium continues to play a growing role in America’s energy future, South Arkansas is positioned to become an important part of the nation’s domestic supply chain.

Smackover Lithium is working to help meet the increasing demand for lithium through its South West Arkansas Project, located in the Smackover Formation. The formation is known for its rich lithium brine resources and has drawn growing attention as companies look for domestic sources of lithium used in batteries, technology, transportation and other modern industries.

The project recently received a Finding of No Significant Impact from the U.S. Department of Energy, a step connected to the federal environmental review process. The decision marks an important milestone for the South West Arkansas Project as development continues.

Lithium is used in lithium-ion batteries, which power everything from smartphones and electric vehicles to drones, unmanned vehicles and advanced technology used in national defense.

Jesse Edmondson, P.G., Director of Government Relations at Standard Lithium, noted the growing importance of lithium in modern technology, saying, “Drones and robots going forward, unmanned vehicles, and modern warfare — every single one of those has a lithium-ion battery.”

For South Arkansas, the project could mean more than mineral production. It also represents the potential for new jobs, workforce training, business growth and long-term economic development in the region.

Workforce training programs at South Arkansas College are already helping prepare students for careers connected to the emerging lithium industry. Through partnerships and training opportunities, local students and workers could gain the skills needed to take part in a growing field without having to leave the region.

Supporters say the development of lithium in South Arkansas could strengthen the area’s economy by creating opportunities in operations, technology, construction, transportation, maintenance and related industries.

As demand for lithium continues to rise, South Arkansas could find itself at the center of an industry that connects local workers to national and global energy needs.

Featured

Single-Vehicle Accident Reported on North Bradley Street

Published

6 hours ago

May 28, 2026

J.W. Misenheimer

EL DORADO, Ark. — A single-vehicle accident was reported on South Bradley Street in front of Everybody’s Antiques.

Sgt. Walker, who was on the scene, said the driver appeared to have tried to avoid another vehicle before sliding into a ditch.

According to Sgt. Walker, there was no suspicion of DUI in connection with the accident.

The driver said they were glad to be okay and noted they were on their way to see a bed-ridden family member.

South Arkansas Now is not identifying the driver in order to protect their privacy.

Featured

South Arkansas Summer Calendar Packed with Parades, Concerts, Family Events and Fundraisers

Published

1 day ago

May 27, 2026

J.W. Misenheimer

South Arkansas — South Arkansas is heading into a busy stretch of community events, with parades, rodeos, family activities, concerts, fundraisers and summer celebrations planned across the region. From El Dorado’s upcoming America 250 celebration to events in Norphlet, Crossett, Calion and beyond, residents will have several opportunities to gather, support local causes and enjoy the summer season. Below is a look at several major events coming up across South Arkansas.

* * *

Parade registration is now open for one of El Dorado’s biggest upcoming summer celebrations: the America 250 Stars & Stripes Parade, set for Thursday, July 2, at 7:30 p.m. in downtown El Dorado.

The parade will take place ahead of the Murphy USA Drone Show, giving residents and visitors a full evening of patriotic celebration in the heart of downtown. More information about the event is available at GoElDorado.com.

The America 250 celebration is among several community events scheduled in El Dorado and nearby South Arkansas communities in the coming weeks.

* * *

HealthWorks Fitness Center will host National Senior Health & Fitness Day on Thursday, May 28, from 8 to 11:30 a.m. The free community event will include a guest speaker from the South Arkansas Center on Aging, a mini health fair, health screenings, water and land class demonstrations, door prizes, breakfast provided by First Financial Bank and lunch provided by South Arkansas Regional Hospital.

HealthWorks will also offer Longfellow’s Whale Tales, a two-day water safety course for children ages 5 to 12, on May 28 and May 29 from 1 to 4 p.m. The American Red Cross program is free and limited to the first 40 children to register. Families may sign up at the HealthWorks front desk or by calling 870-862-5442.

* * *

In Norphlet, the Norphlet Public Library will host a Summer Reading Kickoff Party on June 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 101 E. Padgett Street. The event will feature dinosaur digging, an “adopt a dino” activity, goodie bags, snacks and water. Sponsors include 4R Oil and Norphlet community members.

* * *

Juneteenth events are also planned in El Dorado. The Justice League will present a Juneteenth Stop the Violence Family Fun Day on Friday, June 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the MAD Amp. The event will include free food, frozen treats, community vendors, a bounce house, water slide, poster contest, free T-shirts while supplies last, speakers, entertainment and more. Clean Harbors is listed as the title sponsor.

Later that evening, Guud Vibez will host Juneteenth at Guud Vibez, also presented by The Justice League. Doors open at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 19, with no cover charge. The event will feature music, drinks, signature cocktails and a celebration of freedom, culture and community.

* * *

In Crossett, the 78th Annual Crossett Riding Club PRCA Rodeo will begin with a parade on May 27. Parade lineup is scheduled for 3 p.m., with departure at 4 p.m. from Cap Gates Arena. Rodeo events will follow May 27-29, beginning at 7:30 p.m. nightly at Cap Gates Arena. Family Night is scheduled for May 28 with free admission, and the Battle of the Bulls is planned for May 30. The rodeo has been a Crossett tradition since 1948 and is part of the PRCA’s All American Pro Rodeo Series. The Crossett Riding Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports local community activities and provides college scholarships.

* * *

Two El Dorado students, Isaiah Robinson and Herman Gill, will be among the participants in the 2026 Red River FCA Senior Showdown Basketball, Baseball, Football, & Softball event. The duo will have the honor of representing the great game of basketball as prodigy players. Red River FCA recently held a media day for the senior showdown participants and thanked Heritage Church for allowing the organization to use its facility. The event brings together standout senior basketball, baseball and softball players from the region for a Texas-versus-Arkansas showcase.

* * *

A river poker run benefiting Debbie Hudson is planned for June 27 in Calion. The event will raise money to help Hudson’s family with expenses. Registration and payment will take place from 8 to 9:30 a.m. the day of the event at the spillway in Calion. The first boat will leave at 10 a.m., and the final boat is expected back by 3 p.m. Stops will be located up and down the river, with participants finishing back at the spillway. The cost is $20 per person.

* * *

The #TeamLance Fun Run is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, in downtown El Dorado. The event honors the life and legacy of Lance E. Yarbrough and supports efforts connected to scholarships and medical assistance for young cancer patients. According to the TeamLance page, T-shirt orders, vendor registration and sponsor sign-up deadlines are June 1. Questions may be directed to [email protected].

* * *

Also Friday around lunch, employees at Melvin’s Pharmacy will recognize Melvin Skeeles for 50 years in the business. Skeeles has served and helped many people throughout the years at his pharmacy, and the recognition will honor his longtime commitment to the community.

* * *

Murphy Arts District has also announced that local band, Coyote Pine, will open for Scotty McCreery on June 25 at the First Financial Music Hall. Tickets are currently available through Murphy Arts District.

* * *

A nearby benefit event is also planned in Calion. A river poker run benefiting Debbie Hudson is set for June 27, with registration and payment from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the spillway in Calion. The first boat leaves at 10 a.m., and the last boat is expected back by 3 p.m. The cost is $20 per person, with proceeds going to Hudson’s family to help with expenses.

With patriotic celebrations, family activities, health programs, live music and community fundraisers on the calendar, South Arkansas residents will have several opportunities to get involved throughout the summer.

Featured

Ideal Construction Holds Ground Breaking Ceremony for New El Dorado Expo Center

Published

2 weeks ago

May 14, 2026

Jax Sanford

Ideal Construction held a groundbreaking ceremony today for the new Expo Center that will be built on AR 335 (Del Tin Highway), between US 82 and AR 15 (Haynesville Highway). According to Gary Sewell, who spoke during the ceremony, the massive project has been more than 15 years in the making.

The Expo Center is expected to host a wide variety of events, including rodeos, equestrian competitions, livestock shows, and other community gatherings. Bringing the project to life required collaboration from a broad group of supporters, including ranchers, city council members, contractors, El Dorado School District and the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce. Ideal Construction was ultimately awarded the bid for the highly anticipated project, which leaders say will serve both El Dorado and the greater South Arkansas community.

Michael Rogers, lead architect with M R Designs, LLC — the firm overseeing the facility’s design and construction — said competitors involved in rodeos, equestrian sports, and livestock showing often travel within a 500-mile radius to attend events. Rogers noted that the new Expo Center has the potential to bring significant tourism revenue into South Arkansas.