News

SouthArk Releases Fall Honor Roll

Published

3 months ago

February 25, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — A large group of area students earned academic recognition for their performance during the fall 2025 semester, qualifying for either the President’s Honor Roll or the Dean’s List based on grade-point average and full-time enrollment status.

To be named to the President’s Honor Roll, students must achieve a GPA of 3.75 or higher for the semester. The following students met that standard:

President’s Honor Roll

From Bearden: Cristy Nahy Beza, Caleb Mock
From Benton: Jaclyn Grace Goddard
From Camden: Taymarra Alexandria Penny, Emily Michelle Pickett
From Crossett: Raegan Ann Blankenship, Jilliann Noelle Chandler, Melissa Kay Deal, Clarissa Nelson, Zachery Ryan Price
From El Dorado: Grace Yuritzi Alvarado, Scooter Anderson, Dylan Christopher Avant, Phillip Rhett Boeckmann, Kim Jenan Bradford, Elijah Mckinley Callender, Kristy Nichole Carter, Steven Tyrone Charles, Sara Kathryne Cobb, Camryn Grace Cranford, Jack Riley Day, Tyler Brock Gorman, Emily Gunderson, Owen Jeremiah Hudnall, Britni D. Johnston, Heidi Elaine Kolb, Kenner Aaron Lauterbach, Hailee Gail Lawrence, Avery Jeaux McGoogan, April Nicole McKinnon, Emerald Brooke Metcalfe, Claire Brookelyn Minter, Karlee Brooke Otwell, America Ramos Gaona, Nancy Marie Reynolds, Russell Allen Schroeder, Paxton Anthony Smith, Brady Ryan Thornhill, Jessica Lyn Thurlkill, Addie Jean Wheeler, Kiara Williamson, Hannah Wood, William Daniel Wood
From Emerson: Heather Ard
From Fort Smith: Alexander Juan Martinez
From Hamburg: Joana Pilar Barron, Berenice Mondragon
From Junction City: Jacob Brimer, Margaret Della Phillips, Magan Michelle Wilson, Catlin Nicole Winder
From Lake Village: Leslie Daniela Gonzalez
From Little Rock: Salexius Everessence Johnson
From Louan: Jenica Danielle Saulsbury
From Maumelle: Grayson Christopher Johnston
From Monticello: Kiya Blanks, Brooks M. Harvey, Maranda Smith
From Pearcy: Caleb Christian Rouse
From Portland: Zion JaMarchris Stewart
From Smackover: Cherell Briann Williams
From Sparkman: Lindy Elizabeth Bean, Sydney Shayne Sorrells
From Star City: Dallas Tacker
From Waldo: Bailey Nicole Linton
From Warren: Sandra Belin, Britleigh Smith
From White Hall: Miranda Caldwell, Noah Robert Smith
From Bernice, Louisiana: Arely Gonzales, Hunter Lee May
From Delhi, Louisiana: Christin Berryhill
From Geismar, Louisiana: Cayden Hill
From Opelousas, Louisiana: Taylor Keith Hollier

Students earning a GPA between 3.0 and 3.75 qualified for the Dean’s List. Those students include:

Dean’s List

From Bearden: Madeline Annette Rosenbaum
From Camden: Saylar Sue Cropper, Brooklyn Grace Edmonson, Andrea Rios Maldonado, Kaneisha Torrence
From Crossett: Jacie Lin Taunton
From Dumas: Hailey Cheyenne Maxey
From El Dorado: Antonisha Regine Barker, Delaney Belt, Rebecca Rená Butler, Taylor Jean Darden, Jonah Michael Davis, Emma Grayce Dees, Carlos Guillermo Escalera Zayas, Mark Antony Escobar, Catherine AnnaMai Evans, Ian Keith Everett, Carson Nathanyel Gonzalez, Joel Gonzalez, Taliah Simone Green, McKenley Paige Hale, Braylen Xayvion Hall, Karlie Ann Hannegan, April Jeneen Harris, James Christopher Howe, Jett Quitman Hudnall, Ethan James Kelley, Lindsey Anne Lockhart, A’Ceuna Ja’Nyza McKing, Tanner Luke McLelland, Kelsi Rebecca Mitcham, Alexis Moore, Devin Lamar Murphy, Zairea Yakia Nelson, Juana Gudalupe Ruiz, Jayden Alexia Smith, Laurie Ann Smith, John St. Jacques, Joshua J. Stapleton, Rakeeviya Stephens, Simeon Jude Stipp-Bethune, Tikia Lafaye Tatum, Victoria Ann Taylor, Taylor Nicole Tollette, Julia Michelle Upton, Landon David Voss, Jacob Thomas Webster-Moore, Deirdre DeAnna White, Shaniqua S. Wilson
From Emerson: Jaiden A. Arnold, Mason Andrew Rich
From Emmet: Emma Kate Lafferty
From Fordyce: Lauren Paige Petty
From Hamburg: Marialy Chavez, Brenton Eldred Holland, Steven Bryce Skender, Maite Talavera, Victoria Watkins
From Hermitage: Anna Louise Gorman, Cristobal Guerrero, Lainie Jo Parks, Katelynn Grace Roberts
From Hope: Yudid Gallardo
From Jonesboro: Jakob Reece
From Junction City: Aliyah Alexandria Andrews, Landon Isiah Matthews
From Lonoke: Asher Stephen Hamilton
From Louann: Ciana Riley Olds
From Magnolia: Riad Mohammad Barjas, Riley Morgan Briggs, Anthony Jordan Carnline, Lily Cate Carter, Dusty Denise Cherry, Gregory C. Cole, Tonya W. Edwards, Patrina Monique Green, Madilyn Hornaday, Sydney Elaine Lewis, Savannah Glynn Pyle, Sara Lindy Westfall, Karley Lynn Wilkerson, Taylor Ann Woodson
From McGehee: Ashlyn Paige Kaufman
From Monticello: Mya Nichole Johnson, Mya Shepard, Derricka Destrinette Trotter
From New Edinberg: Nathan Randall Spears
From Norphlet: Paige Danielle Brewer
From Rogers: Easton Ryan Royal
From Sherwood: Amanda Brooke Patterson
From Smackover: Christian Aiden Harper, Hadley Lane Porter, Ramsey Ellen Wilson
From Strong: Kashuna Shana Howard
From Warren: Brynn Cathryn Bickers, Aubrey Faith Forrest, Cheyenne Fowler, Emily E. James, Daisy Miranda, Natasha Nunez Martinez, Ashley Pascual-Cortez, Cristian Adrian Sandoval, Everlyn Eloisa Torres
From Bastrop, Louisiana: Morgan Lindsay Davis, Lashondalon Chantel Robinson
From Bernice, Louisiana: Bethany A. Brown, Ryan Adam Waller
From Downsville, Louisiana: Sarah Michelle Eppinette
From Farmerville, Louisiana: Jamaria Charnae Johnson, Serenity Janee Loggins, Bailey Elizabeth Yelton, Sydney Brianne Yelton
From Grambling, Louisiana: Kelli Robinson
From Homer, Louisiana: Zyan Ayanna Smith
From Junction City, Louisiana: Austin Lane Taylor
From Monroe, Louisiana: Shanita Browhow, Moesha Givens, Starnasia Marshall, Treylan Karter Neal
From Ruston, Louisiana: David Lehnen Griep, Lauren Gordon Trahan
From Spearsville, Louisiana: Maranda Briann Jester
From West Monroe, Louisiana: Teresa Marie Frith
From Texarkana, Texas: Rafe Ross

Only students who met eligibility requirements and granted permission for the release of directory information are included in the listings.

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News

El Dorado Man Faces Charges After SWAT Standoff

Published

20 hours 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

20 hours 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

20 hours 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

20 hours 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.

Event Details

What: Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth
When: Tonight, June 4
Where: First Financial Music Hall at Murphy Arts District, El Dorado
Dinner Service: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $50 per person plus fees and taxes
Seating: Limited availability

News

Farmers Market On The Square Celebrates Growers Month

Published

20 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Main Street El Dorado is inviting families to kick off June with fresh produce, local vendors and a creative activity for children during this week’s Farmers Market on the Square.

As part of Growers Month, the market will welcome local artist Pam Vernon for a free watercolor class designed especially for children. The class will take place Saturday, June 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., offering young artists an opportunity to explore their creativity while learning the basics of watercolor painting.

The activity is free and open to children attending the market with their families.

The Farmers Market on the Square is held every Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon on Jefferson Avenue near the Union County Courthouse in downtown El Dorado. The market features a variety of local growers, farmers, artisans and vendors offering fresh produce, homemade goods, plants and other locally sourced products.

Main Street El Dorado officials say Growers Month is a celebration of the farmers and producers who help supply fresh, locally grown products to the community throughout the season.

Families are encouraged to come early, shop the market and participate in the watercolor class while enjoying a morning in downtown El Dorado.

The event provides a fun and educational opportunity for children while supporting local growers and small businesses that make the Farmers Market a community favorite each summer.