SHREVEPORT – After a night of severe thunderstorms, more unsettled weather is expected today across southern and eastern parts of the region, including South Arkansas. The National Weather Service in Shreveport has placed the area under a Level 1 (Marginal) risk for severe storms, the lowest tier on its five-level scale.

Scattered showers will continue through much of the morning, with embedded thunderstorms developing at times. While isolated thunderstorms are possible throughout the day, the best chance for stronger storms will be in the southern and eastern zones.

Forecasters warn of potential hazards including damaging wind gusts in excess of 60 miles per hour and large hail up to quarter size or larger.

Residents are advised to stay weather aware and monitor for any warnings issued throughout the day, especially in areas like El Dorado, Ruston, and Monroe.

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For the latest updates, visit weather.gov/shv or follow @NWSShreveport on social media.

EL DORADO — The Murphy Arts District (MAD) in El Dorado is teaming up with the NELA Music Association in a new partnership aimed at providing expanded performance opportunities for musicians from Northeast Louisiana.

Announced Monday, the collaboration is a significant move to bring fresh talent from the NELA region to new stages and broader audiences. As part of the agreement, the Murphy Arts District will serve as the official presenter of the Best Emerging Artist Award at the 2025 NELA Music Awards.

The partnership underscores both organizations’ shared mission to elevate Southern music and create platforms for rising artists.

“We greatly admire the work they’ve done to build a thriving district that champions live music,” said Myra Gatling-Akers, President and Founder of the NELA Music Awards. “Expanding into new markets is vital for our musicians, giving them greater exposure and helping them grow their fan base beyond our region.”

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Joanna Benson, Marketing Manager at MAD, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the venue’s long-standing support of regional talent.

“Over the years, we’ve developed a strong bond with many talented NELA artists who have taken the stage at MAD, and it’s been a joy to watch their careers flourish,” Benson said. “We’re passionate about continuing to support and build relationships with the next generation of artists.”

The partnership is expected to drive greater visibility for emerging musicians while reinforcing El Dorado’s status as a vibrant cultural hub in the South.

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EL DORADO — The El Dorado School Board will convene for its regular monthly meeting Monday evening at 6 p.m., with several key items on the agenda, including athletic budgeting, personnel discussions, and assurances for federal education programs.

Board members will begin by reviewing and approving the minutes from the May 12 regular meeting, as well as three special called meetings held on May 8, May 13, and May 27.

One of the notable items on the agenda is a presentation from Athletic Director Phillip Lansdell regarding the district’s athletic budget and insurance plans for the upcoming school year. The board will also vote on a resolution to appoint a representative to the South Central Service Cooperative Board of Directors.

Sherry Floss is scheduled to present the annual ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act), IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) assurances, and the district’s GEPA (General Education Provisions Act) statement, which are required for federal funding compliance.

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Additionally, the board will consider student transfer petitions before moving into executive session to discuss personnel matters.

The meeting will take place at the district’s central office and is open to the public.

MAGNOLIA — A Magnolia woman was killed Tuesday afternoon in a three-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 79 in Columbia County, according to the Arkansas State Police.

The accident occurred around 1:15 p.m. on June 3, just outside the city of Magnolia. Authorities say a 2015 Chevrolet driven by 50-year-old Ronnie Dyer of Newport was traveling northbound on Highway 79 when it crossed the center turn lane and collided head-on with a southbound 2015 Nissan. Debris from the crash struck a third vehicle, a 2017 Mazda, which was also headed south.

The driver of the Nissan, Adrienne Long, 38, of Magnolia, was pronounced dead at the scene. Dyer was injured and transported to Ochsner LSU Health in Shreveport. No additional injuries were reported.

According to social media profiles, Long was a graduate of El Dorado High School and earned her degree from Southern Arkansas University in 2010. She was a longtime employee of Murphy USA and was well known in the Magnolia and El Dorado communities.

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Weather and road conditions were clear and dry at the time of the accident. The Arkansas State Police identified Trooper Trey M. Williams as the investigating officer. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.

Services for Long are pending with arrangements entrusted to R.L. Reed Funeral Home in Magnolia.

SHREVEPORT – The National Weather Service is warning residents across South Arkansas to prepare for the potential of strong to severe thunderstorms both today and again late Saturday into Saturday night.

According to the latest outlook from the NWS office in Shreveport, portions of the region, including areas near El Dorado and Camden, are under a Level 1 to Level 2 risk for severe weather. That means there is a marginal to slight chance of storms capable of producing hail, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall.

For Friday, storms are expected primarily during daytime hours, with hail and wind being the main threats. The risk increases again late Saturday, with storms expected during the afternoon, evening, and overnight hours. In addition to hail and strong winds, heavy rainfall is likely to accompany these storms Saturday night, which could lead to localized flooding.

Emergency officials encourage residents to stay weather-aware, especially during outdoor events or travel. Make sure to have multiple ways to receive severe weather alerts, including a NOAA weather radio or trusted weather apps.

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The forecast will be updated as conditions develop. For the latest weather information, visit weather.gov/shv.