COLUMBIA COUNTY, AR – Less than 24 hours after an auto accident claimed the life of a Magnolia man, another accident has happened on the same highway. Approximately five miles east of Magnolia, an empty truck and trailer left the highway and came to rest in the woods. Magnolia Fire Chief Jacob Talley says the cause of the accident is unknown but did make note of scattered thunderstorms in the area. Emergency crews are on the scene and their caution level is high because of utilities in the immediate vicinity, some of which include the highly flammable Hydrogen Sulfide. Talley said there was no immediate threat to the community or the workers but caution was being exercised all the same. Reports at the scene say the truck was Eastbound on 82 when it left the roadway. The truck is deemed non-hazardous and is empty of material but is rated for Level 9 Hazardous Materials, namely Hot Asphalt. Also reports at the scene say the driver, who was the lone occupant, suffered only minor injuries. The accident is currently being investigated by Arkansas State Police.

EL DORADO – A Magnolia man was killed Thursday evening in a head-on collision on U.S. Highway 82 in rural Union County.

According to the Arkansas State Police, 41-year-old Adam Henderson of Magnolia was driving a 2017 Ford westbound on Highway 82 near Primm Road at approximately 6:45 p.m. when his vehicle crossed the center line and collided head-on with an eastbound 2023 International truck.

Henderson was pronounced dead at the scene. He was the sole fatality reported in the crash, and no injuries were listed among the occupants of the other vehicle.

Troopers said weather conditions were clear and the roadway was dry at the time of the crash.

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The Arkansas State Police reported that Henderson’s body was transported to the Union County Coroner’s Office. Next of kin have been notified.

The crash remains under investigation by Trooper Angel J. Ramos of the Arkansas State Police.

Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada) today introduced bipartisan legislation to cut bureaucratic red tape that is often used to unnecessarily delay energy projects. The Fighting for Reliable Energy and Ending Doubt for Open Markets (FREEDOM) Act would eliminate excessive litigation against fully permitted energy projects. “Endless lawsuits delay vital energy projects, resulting in higher energy prices for Arkansans. My bill will eliminate bureaucratic red tape to streamline energy projects,” said Senator Cotton. “For far too long, energy projects across the country have been slowed by bureaucracy. The bipartisan FREEDOM Act is a critical first step in slashing this unnecessary red tape so we can meet the energy needs of the future and unlock America’s full potential,” said Senator Cortez Masto.

Text of the bill can be found here.

EL DORADO — The El Dorado School District has opened online enrollment for the 2026-27 school year and is encouraging families to complete the registration process as soon as possible.

District officials announced that enrollment is now available for all grade levels, including kindergarten through 12th grade. Parents and guardians can complete the process online through the district’s enrollment portal.

Families with children entering kindergarten this fall are reminded that students must be 5 years old on or before Aug. 1, 2026, to be eligible for enrollment.

The district is also welcoming new students who plan to attend El Dorado schools during the upcoming academic year. New families can complete registration online and access information about required documentation, school assignments, and enrollment procedures through the district website.

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School officials say early enrollment helps campuses prepare for the upcoming year by allowing administrators to plan staffing, classroom assignments, transportation, and student services.

Parents seeking additional information about enrollment requirements or the registration process are encouraged to contact the El Dorado School District or visit the district’s website for details.

The 2026-27 school year will begin later this summer, with district leaders looking forward to welcoming both returning and new students to campuses across El Dorado.

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EL DORADO — Students from communities across South Arkansas were among those recognized for outstanding academic achievement during the spring 2026 semester at South Arkansas College.

The college recently announced its President’s Honor Roll and Dean’s List, recognizing full-time students who demonstrated academic excellence throughout the semester.

To qualify for the President’s Honor Roll, students must earn a grade-point average of 3.75 or higher while maintaining full-time enrollment. Students from El Dorado, Camden, Magnolia, Junction City, Smackover, Strong, Warren, Hamburg, Fordyce, Crossett, Hermitage, Sparkman, Bearden, Banks, Emerson and other South Arkansas communities were among those receiving the distinction.

El Dorado students earning President’s Honor Roll recognition included Kayla Michelle Anderson, Dylan Christopher Avant, Phillip Rhett Boeckmann, Sara Kathryne Cobb, Melissa Nicole Compton, Camryn Grace Cranford, Taylor Jean Darden, Jonah Michael Davis, Tiyanna Semaj Dunn, Chloe Gatewood, Tyler Brock Gorman, Emily Gunderson, Deedra R. Hall, Liam Elliot Harrison, Telviyonta L. Henyard, Anthony Hodges, Claire Elizabeth Hooker, Heidi Elaine Kolb, Jackson Patrick Lewis, Avery Jeaux McGoogan, April Nicole McKinnon, Christine M. McLeland, Tanner Luke McLelland, Emerald Brooke Metcalfe, Eriyunna Miller, Amanda Parker, America Ramos Gaona, Jillian Nicole Ramsey, Juana Guadalupe Ruiz, Russell Allen Schroeder, Simeon Jude Stipp-Bethune, Brady Ryan Thornhill, Jessica Lyn Thurlkill, Lisa Marie Thurmon, Chandler Williamson, Kiki Williamson, Terra Elise Wise and William Daniel Wood.

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Camden students earning President’s Honor Roll recognition were Kirsten Kelley, Rodeshia McGhee, Ashley Danielle Nguyen and Emily Michelle Pickett.

Students from Magnolia, Junction City, Smackover, Warren, Strong, Hamburg, Crossett and numerous other South Arkansas communities were also recognized for their academic accomplishments.

The Dean’s List recognizes full-time students who achieve a grade-point average between 3.0 and 3.75. South Arkansas students honored on the Dean’s List represented communities including El Dorado, Camden, Magnolia, Warren, Hermitage, Louann, Norphlet, Strong, Crossett, Fordyce, Hampton, Hamburg and others throughout the region.

El Dorado led the area with more than 30 students earning Dean’s List honors, while Camden, Magnolia, Warren and other Union, Ouachita, Columbia and Bradley County communities were also well represented.

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South Arkansas College officials said the recognition reflects the hard work, dedication and academic success of students throughout the region. The honor rolls highlight the college’s continued commitment to student achievement and educational excellence while serving South Arkansas and neighboring communities.

The complete lists include students from Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas who met the academic requirements during the spring 2026 semester.