EL DORADO — The El Dorado School District is inviting homeschool families to attend an upcoming informational meeting focused on special education services and support.

The meeting is scheduled for April 1, 2026, at 4 p.m. and is open to parents of homeschooled children who have been identified as needing special education services or who may have concerns that their child could have a disability.

District officials said the session will provide information about potential equitable services available to eligible students and offer guidance for families seeking support.

The meeting is part of the district’s effort to ensure that all students, including those who are homeschooled, have access to appropriate educational resources and services when needed.

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Parents and guardians who have questions or would like additional information are encouraged to contact Shawn Lamkin Beard, Special Education Director for the El Dorado School District, by email at [email protected] or by phone at 870-864-5133.

District leaders encourage interested families to attend and learn more about available options and next steps for their children.

EL DORADO — Community leaders, business supporters and Scouting advocates gathered Tuesday for the DeSoto District Heart of the Eagle Luncheon, where more than $51,000 was raised to support Scouts across the area.

Hosted by Scouting America’s Natural State Council, the event was held March 17 at the El Dorado Conference Center. This year’s luncheon honored Robert Reynolds, president of Schuler Oil, as the Heart of the Eagle Honoree.

Reynolds was presented the award by J.W. Misenheimer, event chairman, and Tyler Turner, who served as master of ceremonies. Organizers also recognized Jerry Langley for stepping in as the Title Eagle Sponsor in support of the event and its mission.

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According to event materials, Reynolds was selected for his decades of leadership in petroleum engineering, economic development and community service. As president of Schuler Drilling Co. in El Dorado, Reynolds has spent more than four decades helping shape the region’s energy landscape. His professional background includes degrees from Louisiana Tech University and the University of Tulsa, as well as an MBA, and he has supervised work on more than 2,100 wells involving oil, gas and brine across South Arkansas.

Event organizers also highlighted Reynolds’ service beyond the energy sector, noting his role as chairman of the El Dorado Economic Development Board for eight years, where he helped launch the El Dorado Forward tax initiative. He also served as founding chairman of the El Dorado Works Board and was praised as someone who reflects the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

EL DORADO, Ark. — Authorities in El Dorado are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing man who was last seen in late February.

Thomas Beaver, 37, was reported missing on March 15, 2026, according to information released by the El Dorado Police Department. He was last seen on February 27 at The Dels apartments in El Dorado.

Beaver is described as approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing around 155 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes.

Officials said Beaver suffers from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and concerns are growing for his well-being as the search continues.

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Anyone with information about Beaver’s whereabouts is urged to contact the El Dorado Police Department at 870-863-4141.

Authorities encourage residents to remain alert and report any possible sightings as efforts continue to locate him.

EL DORADO, Ark. — A sharp cold snap across South Arkansas and the Four State Region led to record-setting temperatures early Tuesday morning, with El Dorado among the communities experiencing unusually low readings, according to the National Weather Service in Shreveport.

In El Dorado, the temperature dropped to 23 degrees, well below the previous record low of 27 degrees for the date, setting a new record.

The National Weather Service reported that several other cities across the region also tied or broke record lows. Texarkana recorded 28 degrees, tying its previous record, while Monroe, Louisiana fell to 26 degrees, just shy of its record of 28 degrees. Shreveport reached 25 degrees, breaking its previous record of 27 degrees.

In East Texas, Tyler recorded 28 degrees, surpassing its record low of 27 degrees. Longview dropped to 27 degrees, just below its record of 28 degrees, while Lufkin tied its record low at 28 degrees.

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Meteorologists noted that the widespread cold was the result of a strong cold front that moved through the region, bringing clear skies and calm winds overnight — ideal conditions for temperatures to fall rapidly.

While temperatures are expected to rebound in the coming days, the early morning readings served as a reminder of the region’s potential for late-season cold snaps.