News

The Funeral Is Cancelled

Published

1 month ago

March 24, 2025

Sandy Sanford

EL DORADO – On a cold March Morning, a handful of El Dorado City Leaders gathered outside of the Murphy USA corporate offices. They held hands, put arms around shoulders and prayed out-loud for the city and its citizens to receive the words being brought by Lawrence Levy III.

South Arkansas Now had the opportunity to sit down with Levy and ask him about his visit. “The Funeral Is Cancelled is not only a movement, but also a program and curriculum. It is designed to bring awareness about violence. Also, it’s not just about gun violence, but violence as a whole, domestic violence, verbal abuse in the home, the pain from depression. You know, what our kids are dealing with. It gives a great depiction of not only what we are dealing with in the black community but in society as a whole. It’s captivating to pull you in to understand the problem, but also to give you the solution. You know, because sometimes we don’t know the problem and many times, even if we know the problem, we don’t know how the problem BECAME the problem. So, The Funeral Is Cancelled is an informative way to understand how we got here. Sometimes we have to go back to ask how we got here? Where did we drop the ball? And how do we pick it back up?”

Levy said, where allowed, he is able to take the curriculum into school districts and share that information with students. “We can give the students life skills principles, you know the education is great, we’re not taking away from that. But what about life skills? What about them being able to survive, maintain and be successful outside of the classrooms in everyday life. Their character, their morals, their decision making. The Funeral is Cancelled is about highlighting their responsibilities and turning them into a productive citizen. The Initiative is an attempt to bring the community together as a whole: white, black, rich, poor, it doesn’t matter. Because when the community comes together and looks at them as our kids, then we will treat them as our kids.”

Recent events held in places like Bossier City, LA, where gun violence, gang violence and other violence had spiraled to record levels, saw tremendous drops in the numbers of violent incidents. “The events are having a real impact in the communities we go in. The results are that the numbers of violent incidents dramatically decrease. The results are tremendously amazing. A few months ago, we were in this little community outside of New Orleans. When I got there, they were having shootings and other violence nearly daily. About two months later, I got a call from the Chief of Police and he said there has not been ONE incident of a fight, stabbing or shooting since we were there. He also said that men in the community were taking part and I had a mother call me and tell me that her son was now back in school, he’s put the guns down, he’s put the drugs down.”

Levy said the most challenging part for him and his team is reaching men. “That is our hardest battle. Because if we can get the men, we can get the community. Look, in our society, men are supposed to be leaders, they should be the heads, in most cases. When you have a single parent home, where a mother is working multiple jobs, she is struggling to get her son to a place where he is living a healthy lifestyle. So, when men do attend, we tell them that they are needed and that we notice they are missing. We give them an understanding of their importance and their role in the community, as well as the family. If we can heal the men in a community, then we can heal the men in a family and their children are then much more likely to make healthier decisions. A child with a mother and a father in the home is much more likely to make better decisions than those with just a mother in the home. This is especially true in the African American culture, because that mother is struggling and she can’t provide, she can’t watch, she can’t dictate the actions, she can’t monitor his friends and what they are doing. But when a father is involved, it is different. So, this is the need for our men to be involved. But, when we can get men involved, we see awesome declines in violence. Of course, we would love to see two parent households. The data doesn’t lie, two parent households have less acts of violence, less instances of poor decision making. However, even if men aren’t involved inside the home, If I can get men to buy in and take their rightful place, not just in the home but in the community, we see changes for the better.”

When asked to give a quick message to the community, Levy said, “When we can see each other as human beings. Not white, not black, not rich, not poor, not whose position is better or who trumps the other. Then our community becomes better, not just in the drop of violence but in just living among one another, together. Then our youth will see a community that loves, uplifts, supports and encourages one another, so it would then be difficult for our children to do anything other than what they have seen.”

Editorial Note: South Arkansas Now thanks El Dorado Ward 4 Alderman, Dianne Hammond for tirelessly working to get us access to Mr. Levy.

Related Topics:dianne hammond El Dorado community events funeral is cancelled lawrence levy message of hope stop the violence

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Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Set For May 10th

Published

16 hours ago

May 2, 2025

Staff Reports

EL DORADO — Residents of Union County will have the chance to make a direct impact on local hunger relief efforts during the annual Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive on Saturday, May 10.

The event, organized nationally by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), is recognized as the largest single-day food collection effort in the country. Locally, the drive is coordinated in partnership with the United Way of Union County and will benefit the Salvation Army of El Dorado.

Union County residents are encouraged to participate by placing non-perishable food donations in sturdy bags next to their mailboxes before regular mail delivery on May 10. Letter carriers will collect the donations as they deliver the mail, ensuring the food goes straight to those in need.

“Every can, box, and bag of food donated makes a difference,” said Tyler Turner, executive director of United Way of Union County. “This is an easy way for the entire community to support our neighbors in need, and it starts right at your mailbox.”

Last year, the county collected over 8,000 pounds of food. This year, organizers hope to reach 10,000 pounds.

Suggested donation items include:

Canned vegetables and meats
Pasta and boxed meals
Peanut butter, rice, and cereal
Shelf-stable milk and juice

All donations will remain in Union County to support local individuals and families facing food insecurity.

For more information, contact United Way of Union County at (870) 862-4903 or email director@unitedwayunioncounty.com.

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Camden Police release information on deadly shooting

Published

16 hours ago

May 2, 2025

Staff Reports

CAMDEN — Two suspects have been arrested in connection with a deadly shooting that occurred on April 26 in Camden, according to a press release from the Camden Police Department.

Authorities responded to a report of two people being shot at approximately 6:10 p.m. at 814 Lincoln Drive. Upon arrival, officers found two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. One victim was later pronounced dead after being transported to the Ouachita County Medical Center. The second victim was taken to a medical facility out of town, where he remains in stable condition.

The investigation at the scene uncovered five .40 caliber shell casings and two bullet projectiles in the front yard, along with a baggie of marijuana on the porch. Officers also noted several bullet holes in the front of the residence.

Witnesses at the scene identified the suspects as 18-year-olds Chris Arnold and Keegan Turner. Both men were apprehended with the help of the Fayetteville and Springdale police departments and taken into custody without incident.

Arnold appeared in court for a probable cause hearing and was formally charged with Murder in the First Degree, Battery in the First Degree, and Aggravated Robbery. His bond was set at $1 million.

Turner declined to participate in his hearing and is being held without bond. He faces multiple charges, including Capital Murder, Battery in the First Degree, Terroristic Act, Aggravated Robbery, and Aggravated Assault.

The case remains under investigation. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Camden Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at (870) 836-5755.

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SAU nursing students gain hands-on experience in mass casualty simulation

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16 hours ago

May 2, 2025

Staff Reports

MAGNOLIA – The Southern Arkansas University Department of Nursing recently demonstrated its dedication to preparing students for real-world clinical practice through an innovative mass disaster simulation. Led by Dr. Alice Fanning and Dr. Tara Almand, senior students from the Community Health Nursing and Leadership and Management courses participated in the hands-on training event. Held in the Wharton Nursing Building area, the simulation offered an immersive learning experience, providing students with critical hands-on training in emergency preparedness, crisis response, and leadership in high-pressure situations.

The simulation, designed to replicate a large-scale disaster scenario, challenged students to assess the situation quickly, provide medical care, and coordinate resources in a high-stress environment. Community Health Nursing students focused on triage, first aid, and victim assessment, while Leadership students portrayed the victims and assisted in proper triage. To enhance the realism of the simulation, nursing faculty member Tracy Woolfley and nursing simulation coordinator Christina Arnold applied lifelike injury makeup—known as moulage—to the leadership students. Additionally, SAU sophomore business student Molly Fanning and 2024 alumna Alexis Kennedy Fanning participated as media personnel, simulating real-world press coverage during the disaster scenario.

The Columbia County Ambulance crew actively participated in the event, adding authenticity and valuable real-world insight. Paramedics assisted in triage and demonstrated emergency care techniques, helping students understand the roles and expectations of first responders during crises. Their presence elevated the learning experience, offering expert feedback and real-time coaching on best practices in disaster response.

This simulation bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world application,” said Dr. Alice Fanning. “It prepares our students not just to respond to emergencies, but to lead with confidence and competence in critical moments.”

The event highlighted SAU’s commitment to experiential learning and interdisciplinary collaboration in nursing education. With support from faculty and emergency professionals, SAU nursing students continue to gain the skills and confidence needed to serve their communities in times of crisis. Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, Dr. Abdel Bachri, commended the initiative, stating, “This simulation exemplifies SAU’s dedication to fostering critical thinking and leadership in our students, equipping them to handle real-world challenges with skill and compassion.”

Dr. Karen Landry, department chair of nursing, echoed Bachri’s sentiment, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the event: “We are incredibly proud of our students’ engagement in this high-impact drill, which brings together faculty, staff, students, and community partners to create a transformative learning experience.”

The SAU Department of Nursing prepares students for current clinical practice by integrating hands-on simulations, interprofessional collaboration, and expert mentorship, ensuring graduates are ready to lead and serve in diverse healthcare settings.

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El Dorado Police Searching For Missing Teen

Published

16 hours ago

May 2, 2025

Staff Reports

EL DORADO – Authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating 17-year-old Keasia Mayweather, who was last seen in El Dorado on Tuesday, April 30.

According to the El Dorado Police Department, Keasia is described as a Black female, standing 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 150 pounds. She has brown eyes and brown/red hair.

At the time of her disappearance, Keasia was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt, grey sweatpants, and a grey bonnet.

Anyone with information about her whereabouts is urged to contact the El Dorado Police Department at (870) 881-4800 or call 911 immediately.

The Morgan Nick Foundation has also shared a missing person alert as part of its #LoveAlwaysHopes campaign, dedicated to supporting families and raising awareness for missing children in Arkansas.

If you have any relevant details, no matter how small, authorities encourage you to come forward.

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Severe Weather Chances Linger Through Friday

Published

2 days ago

May 1, 2025

Staff Reports

EL DORADO – The National Weather Service in Shreveport is warning residents across South Arkansas to prepare for the possibility of scattered strong to severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, with another round of isolated storms expected Friday.

Today’s severe weather risk has been elevated to a Level 2 out of 5, with storms expected to develop during the afternoon hours across the ArkLaTex region, including Columbia, Union, Lafayette, Ouachita, and surrounding counties. These storms may produce damaging wind gusts and large hail, though the threat of tornadoes remains low.

According to forecasters, today’s storms will be diurnally driven, meaning they will build as daytime heating intensifies. The most active period is expected from mid to late afternoon through the evening hours.

On Friday, the severe weather threat will shift slightly eastward and become more isolated in nature, but South Arkansas remains under a Level 2 risk, especially in areas near the Louisiana and Mississippi borders. Damaging winds and large hail will once again be the primary threats.

Residents are urged to stay weather aware, have multiple ways to receive alerts, and avoid outdoor activities during peak storm hours. Local emergency management officials recommend securing loose outdoor items and being prepared for possible power outages.