News

The Funeral Is Cancelled

Published

1 year 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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El Dorado Man Faces Charges After SWAT Standoff

Published

15 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

15 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

15 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

16 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

16 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.