News

South Arkansas Communities Receive State Grants

Published

9 months ago

August 29, 2025

Grant Merrill

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, alongside the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, today announced more than $11.9 million in funding for Arkansas cities, counties, and communities.

The 65 grants – totaling $11,917,562.70 – were awarded from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and State Rural Community Grant programs.

“From Norfork to McGehee to Horatio, Arkansans across the state deserve to live in safe, vibrant communities, and that’s why these grants are so important,” said Governor Sanders. “Not only will this funding go towards critical infrastructure projects throughout the Natural State, but it will also fund community parks, walking trails, youth centers, and more – projects that will improve residents’ quality of life and ensure our towns and cities are great places to call home.”

“In Arkansas, strong communities are the foundation of our success,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “Grants awarded through AEDC’s Division of Rural Services and the Grants Division help communities provide needed resources, equipment, and services that keep our communities strong and healthy.”

“In Arkansas, our rural communities are crucial to the state’s economy and our team works to ensure that rural communities have the resources they need to succeed” said Becca Caldwell, Director of Rural Services for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “We are proud to award the Rural Community Grants to these 29 Arkansas communities and to award the Rural Services Block Grants to these 16 Arkansas communities to help improve their infrastructure and quality of life offerings, which positions them and our state for continued success.”

“This latest round of CDBG awards from the General Assistance set-aside support vital public facility and infrastructure projects aimed at building stronger and more economically resilient communities,” said Jean Noble, Director of the Grants Division for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “These funds represent the State’s commitment to addressing critical needs while empowering our local partners to prioritize and enhance their own capacity. With these CDBG investments, we are working strategically to foster a better standard of living across the more rural areas of the State.”

State CDBG funds are utilized for a variety of public infrastructure projects, including senior centers, childcare centers, public health facilities, youth centers, flood control and drainage projects, as well as economic development grants. Funds are awarded on an annual basis, with counties and municipalities also allocating resources to meet urgent needs.

The Rural Services Block Grant program funds new construction or renovation of community centers, fire stations, and multi-purpose buildings, as well as the purchase of fire trucks and fire equipment. Applicants from incorporated towns of less than 3,000 in population and unincorporated rural areas with low to moderate incomes of 51 percent or higher are eligible for up to $100,000 in funds with a 10 percent match.

The Rural Community Grant Program is used for fire trucks, fire protection equipment, community centers, storm sirens, community parks, walking trails, and baseball fields. Applicants from incorporated towns of less than 3,000 in population and unincorporated rural areas are eligible for up to $15,000 in 50/50 matching funds under the program.

View the full list of recipients and awards below:

General Assistance Block Grants

Norfork, Baxter County, $459,900.00, wastewater treatment rehabilitation
Benton County, $1,000,000.00, water line extension
Whelen Springs, Clark County, $499,650.00, water storage tank rehabilitation
Piggott, Clay County, $499,950.00, water system improvements
Columbia County, $499,730.00, Lake Columbia spillway rehabilitation
Black Oak, Craighead County, $500,000.00, new wastewater collection system
McGehee, Desha County, $499,995.00, lift station improvements
Salem, Fulton County, $500,000.00, wastewater treatment plant rehabilitation
Franklin County, $496,675.00, disabled adults learning center building renovations
Paragould, Greene County, $337,580.00, storm siren replacement
Nashville, Howard County, $500,000.00, wastewater treatment facility improvements
Oxford, Izard County, $500,000.00, wastewater treatment facility upgrades
Cabot, Lonoke County, $499,908.00, developmentally disabled building expansion
Keiser, Mississippi County, $499,989.00, drainage projects
Wrightsville, Pulaski County, $499,902.00, street and drainage repaving and repair
O’Kean, Randolph County, $450,000.00, storm shelter construction
Mansfield, Sebastian County, $492,111.00, sidewalk and crosswalk construction
Cave City, Sharp County, $500,000.00, sewer main improvements
Farmington, Washington County, $396,392.00, senior center renovations
Garner, White County, $500,000.00, safe room

Rural Services Block Grant

City of Montrose, Ashley County, $91,988.95, radios and turnout gear
Benton County, $66,750.00, roof renovation
Town of Egypt, Craighead County, $100,000.00, new HVAC system and generator
Town of Viola, Fulton County, $100,000.00, new brush truck
Town of Pratsville, Grant County, $31,946.00, side by side unit and trailer for rescue operations
Town of Pineville, Izard County, $100,000.00, pumper truck, utility vehicle, and associated equipment
Lafayette County, $100,000.00, fire equipment
Town of Ravenden, Lawrence County, $97,000.00, new pumper truck
City of Huntsville, Madison County, $88,853.00, equipment for special rescue team
Town of St. Paul, Madison County, $100,000.00, fire department substation construction
Town of Etowah, Mississippi County, $100,000.00, new pumper truck
City of Bearden, Ouachita County, $100,000.00, new fire station construction
City of DeValls Bluff, Prairie County, $100,000.00, fire equipment
Scott County, $50,001.00, telecommunications equipment and pumper truck
City of Marshall, Searcy County, $87,989.00, addition to fire department building
City of Ash Flat, Sharp County, $100,000.00, new pumper truck

Rural Community Grants

Cotter-Gassville RFPD, Baxter County, $14,413.82, new tires and fire equipment
Valley Springs FD, Boone County, $15,000.00, turnout gear
Pansy FD, Cleveland County, $4,024.00, new fire hoses
Brookland FPD, Craighead County, $15,000.00, fire protection equipment
City of Bono, Craighead County, $15,000.00, heat and air unit replacement
Dyer Fire Department, Crawford County, $9,844.56, pumper truck equipment replacement
Cherry Valley FD, Cross County, $15,000.000, jaws of life equipment
Altus Rural FPD, Franklin County, $3,500.00, remodeling for fire station
Watalula VFD, Franklin County, $4,375.00, new radios
Sturkie VFD, Fulton County, $15,000.00, new SCBAs and face masks
Grapevine FD, Grant County, $15,000.00, new skid unit UTV
City of Washington, Hempstead County, 15,000.00, new tractor
Cerro Gordo FD, Little River County, $15,000.00, replace fire vehicle
Peel VFD, Marion County, $15,000.00, replacement pumper truck
City of Mount Ida, Montgomery County, $15,000.00, Veterans Memorial flag display foundation infrastructure
Perryville VFD, Perry County, $13,699.44, new turnout gear
City of Antoine, Pike County, $9,000.00, community center electrical system
Murfreesboro FD, Pike County, $15,000.00, new SCBAs
City of Grannis, Polk County, $12,870.99, new storm siren
City of DeValls Bluff, Prairie County, $15,000.00, new storm siren
Marshall FD, Searcy County, $11,006.25, jaws of life equipment
Town of Gilbert, Searcy County, $14,309.75, remodeling for fire station/community center
Milltown-Washburn, Sebastian County, $14,599.00, pumper truck equipment
White Bluff-Rye Hill, Sebastian County, $14,607.51, fire truck equipment
Horatio FD, Sevier County, $5,002.45, radios and AED machines
Hardy VFD, Sharp County, $15,000.00, new SCBAs and face mask
Lincoln FD, Washington County, $15,000.00, equipment and turnout gear
West Fork FD, Washington County, $15,000.00, equipment replacement
Albion Volunteer FD, White County, $15,000.00, new SCBAs

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Calling the Hogs Event Draws Strong Crowd in El Dorado

Published

5 hours ago

June 5, 2026

J.W. Misenheimer

EL DORADO, Ark. — Razorback fans and community supporters packed the First Financial Music Hall at the Murphy Arts District Thursday evening for Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth, an event that brought together Arkansas sports stories, dinner, fellowship and fundraising.

The evening featured Chuck Barrett, the well-known voice of the Arkansas Razorbacks, who shared stories from his years behind the microphone and offered guests an inside look at some of the most memorable moments in Arkansas sports. Longtime Arkansas broadcaster and storyteller Rex Nelson served as Master of Ceremonies, helping guide the evening with humor, insight and plenty of Hog spirit.

The catered event, with dinner provided by Madhouse 101, drew a strong turnout, with venue tables filled throughout the evening. In addition to the program, guests also took part in an auction, where every auction item was sold.

Organizers said the event was a great success, bringing together Razorback fans, local supporters and community members for an evening centered on storytelling, sports nostalgia and South Arkansas hospitality.

Watch a quick highlight from the event!

News

El Dorado Man Faces Charges After SWAT Standoff

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — A 39-year-old El Dorado man is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Union County District Court on Friday after being taken into custody following a lengthy police standoff earlier this week.

According to the El Dorado Police Department, Gary Lee Moore was arrested Tuesday morning after officers responded to a reported aggravated assault and spent more than an hour attempting to negotiate his surrender.

Authorities said officers were first called to South Arkansas Regional Hospital at approximately 6:45 a.m. Tuesday after receiving information about a suspected aggravated assault. Investigators reported that the victim told officers Moore had threatened her life and warned that he would kill any law enforcement officers who attempted to intervene.

Following the report, officers went to a residence in the 2700 block of Mount Holly Road to locate Moore.

Police secured the area around the residence, including shutting down a portion of Mount Holly Road, while ensuring no other individuals were inside the home. Crisis negotiators then began efforts to persuade Moore to surrender peacefully.

According to police, negotiators used verbal commands and communicated with Moore several times by telephone during the standoff. Despite those efforts, Moore repeatedly refused to leave the residence.

After negotiations proved unsuccessful, the El Dorado Police Department’s SWAT team implemented tactical measures that ultimately prompted Moore to exit the home.

Moore was taken into custody without further incident.

He has been charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threatening, resisting arrest and several additional charges.

Moore remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in Union County District Court on June 5.

The investigation remains ongoing.

News

Youth Festival Of The Arts Set For This Weekend

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO, — Young artists from across South Arkansas will have an opportunity to display their creativity and connect with the community during the upcoming Youth Festival of the Arts on Saturday, June 6.

The event, presented through a partnership between the South Arkansas Arts Center and the Boys & Girls Club of Union County, will take place from 10 a.m. until noon at the Boys & Girls Club, located at 1201 N. West Ave. in El Dorado.

Organizers describe the event as a one-of-a-kind children’s art marketplace designed to celebrate and support young artists while encouraging creativity and artistic expression.

The festival will transform the indoor Lanxess Gym at the Boys & Girls Club into an art fair featuring artwork created by children and youth from throughout the region. Community members will have the opportunity to view the artwork, meet young artists and show their support for the next generation of creative talent.

The event is part of an ongoing effort by both organizations to provide artistic opportunities for local youth and help foster an appreciation for the arts in South Arkansas.

SAAC and the Boys & Girls Club have partnered on numerous programs focused on arts education, and organizers say the Youth Festival of the Arts is designed to give young creators a platform to share their work while building confidence and developing their artistic skills.

Community members are encouraged to attend and help support the area’s emerging artists.

Event Details

What: Youth Festival of the Arts
When: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Boys & Girls Club of Union County, 1201 N. West Ave., El Dorado
Hosted By: South Arkansas Arts Center and Boys & Girls Club of Union County
Admission: Open to the public

The event offers families a chance to celebrate creativity, encourage young artists and enjoy a morning dedicated to the arts in El Dorado.

News

Juneteenth Celebration Set For June 19th

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Families from across South Arkansas are invited to gather for a day of celebration, education and community as the Justice League hosts its annual Juneteenth Stop the Violence Family Fun Day on June 19 at the Murphy Arts District Amphitheater.

The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the MAD Amphitheater and will feature food, entertainment, activities for children and community engagement opportunities designed to bring residents together while promoting peace and unity.

Organizers say attendees can enjoy free food, frozen treats, community vendors, a bounce house, water slide, poster contest, speakers, live entertainment and free T-shirts while supplies last.

The event is presented by the Justice League and made possible through support from title sponsor Clean Harbors.

Celebrating Juneteenth

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans that they were free—more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Although Lincoln’s proclamation officially declared enslaved people in Confederate states free on Jan. 1, 1863, enforcement depended on the presence of Union troops. In many parts of the South, slavery continued until federal troops arrived and enforced the order.

The announcement in Texas marked one of the final acts of emancipation in the United States and became a day of celebration among formerly enslaved people and their descendants.

Over the decades, Juneteenth grew from local community gatherings into a nationally recognized observance. In 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday, officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day.

Today, communities across the country celebrate the holiday with festivals, educational programs, cultural events, parades and family gatherings that honor freedom, resilience and African American history.

Bringing the Community Together

Organizers of the El Dorado event say the Family Fun Day is designed not only to celebrate Juneteenth but also to encourage positive community engagement and promote efforts to reduce violence through education, fellowship and outreach.

Residents of all ages are encouraged to attend and take part in the festivities.

Event Information

What: Juneteenth Stop the Violence Family Fun Day
When: June 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Murphy Arts District Amphitheater, El Dorado
Admission: Free
Activities: Food, frozen treats, vendors, bounce house, water slide, poster contest, speakers, entertainment and more

The event is open to the public and welcomes families throughout the region to celebrate Juneteenth and the spirit of community together.

News

“Calling The Hogs” Event With Chuck Barrett Set For Tonight

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Razorback fans will have a chance to hear behind-the-scenes stories from one of the most recognizable voices in Arkansas sports tonight as “Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth” comes to the Murphy Arts District.

The special event, scheduled for June 4 inside the First Financial Music Hall, will feature legendary Arkansas Razorbacks play-by-play broadcaster Chuck Barrett, whose voice has become synonymous with some of the most memorable moments in Razorback athletics.

Barrett will share stories from his years behind the microphone, offering fans a unique look at the people, moments and memories that have shaped Arkansas sports. The evening is expected to include tales from the broadcast booth, locker room stories and insights into some of the biggest games in Razorback history.

Serving as master of ceremonies will be longtime Arkansas broadcaster and storyteller Rex Nelson, who will help guide the conversation and add his own blend of humor and perspective throughout the program.

Guests will also enjoy a catered dinner provided by Madhouse 101. Dinner service begins at 6:30 p.m. before the evening’s program gets underway.

Organizers say the event is designed to bring together sports fans, community members and supporters of Arkansas athletics for an entertaining night of storytelling and fellowship.

Tickets are $50 per person, plus applicable fees and taxes. Seating is limited.

The event will be held tonight at the First Financial Music Hall at Murphy Arts District in downtown El Dorado.