EL DORADO – Bob Parks, who spent over sixty years on the airwaves of various South Arkansas radio stations has died just a week after his 89th birthday.

Parks was a native of Memphis, graduating from L.C. Humes High School in 1953 where he counted rock and roll legend Elvis Presley as a friend. He started his career at stations in Alabama and Mississippi before moving to El Dorado in 1961. He spent over a decade on the airwaves of 1290 KDMS, before crossing the street to become the general manager of KELD/KAYQ.

For most of his time heading up the operations of KELD, he was the play-by-play voice of the El Dorado Wildcats, a role that endeared him to sports fans across the state. But most listeners remembered that if it was happening in El Dorado, Parks was usually there with a microphone in hand to describe the action.

One of his memorable broadcasts was the day that the newly formed Noalmark Broadcasting, a partnership between El Dorado business titans Bill Nolan and Edwin Alderson, purchased KELD. With microphone in hand, Parks provided a live play-by-play broadcast of the transaction’s closing. As Noalmark’s general manager  he cemented the respect of broadcasters across the state, serving as president of the Arkansas Broadcasters Association in 1984. He would go on to work for Nolan and Alderson until 1994, when he decided to pursue a different calling, as a minister in the Christian Church.

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His ministry would take him to Hot Springs for several years before he moved back home, but his voice was still a mainstay on the airwaves in South Arkansas. He worked for Y95 in Camden over the last two decades, producing public affairs programs for the stations each week. Many advertisers still called on Parks to pitch their products in commercials, most notably Smackover Motors, the South Arkansas Ford dealership that he still promoted on radio right up until the day he passed away.

Listeners knew of his commitment as a broadcaster, which Parks would proudly tell most anyone who asked.

“Radio has been, I believe, the adhesive that holds most communities together,” Parks said in an interview with the Arkansas Broadcasters Association. “Because it’s such a vital part of everyday life. It’s such a vital part of what you going to do as you prepare for the day. It’s also there in those darker moments at night when you can’t sleep. You have some radio to keep you company. Something that is an ever-presence in our lives.”

Parks served as a mentor to hundreds of grateful employees and colleagues over the years, including the owners of SouthArkansasNow.Com.

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Funeral services are pending.

EL DORADO – April is recognized as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of protecting children and providing support to families. Locally, this annual observance is an opportunity for South Arkansas Children’s Coalition to shine a spotlight on the critical issue of child abuse and encourage our community to take action to prevent harm and promote the well-being of young individuals.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, nearly 700,000 children in the United States are reported to be victims of abuse or neglect each year. The effects of child abuse can be devastating, leading to long-term emotional, physical, and psychological consequences. In response, organizations across the country are working tirelessly to support victims and educate the public about the signs of abuse.

Throughout the month, local and national initiatives are underway, including public awareness campaigns, educational workshops, and volunteer opportunities, all aimed at fostering a safer environment for children. One of the key symbols of the month is the pinwheel, which represents the joy and potential of every child.

Community leaders, advocates, and families are encouraged to come together to create a nurturing, supportive environment that helps prevent abuse and ensures every child has the chance to thrive. As part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Executive Director for South Arkansas Children’s Coalition, Robin Krneta, will join B.A. “Sandy” Sanford and Troy “Boomer” Barrios on their newly formed Podcast, “Off The Back Porch.” Details about Robin’s appearance and the podcast are forthcoming. To learn how you can help or for more information about South Arkansas Children’s Coalition, click here.

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EL DORADO – The National Weather Service has extended flood warnings along the Ouachita River at several key locations in South Arkansas as moderate flooding is forecast over the coming days.

Warnings are now in effect for the following areas:

• Ouachita River at Arkadelphia, affecting Hot Spring and Clark counties

• Ouachita River at Camden, affecting Ouachita and Calhoun counties

• Ouachita River at Thatcher Lock and Dam, affecting Bradley, Calhoun, and Union counties

According to forecasters, the river is expected to rise to moderate flood stage due to recent and ongoing heavy rainfall across the region. Additional rainfall over the next 72 hours could increase water levels further, prompting continued concern for low-lying and flood-prone areas.

Officials are urging residents to avoid flooded roads and exercise extreme caution.

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“Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads,” the National Weather Service warned. “Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”

Drivers are reminded to never attempt to cross water-covered roadways. Local emergency services and law enforcement are also encouraged to report any observed flooding to the National Weather Service as conditions develop.

Flood forecasts are based on current river levels and anticipated rainfall, and updated river conditions are typically issued during evening hours while flooding is ongoing.

CAMDEN – Tonight’s First Friday Monthly Market in Camden has been canceled due to the threat of severe weather and the need for vendors to prepare in advance, organizers announced Thursday.

The decision was made to protect vendors and attendees from potential losses, both financial and physical. Organizers noted that a similar situation last year resulted in vendors losing products due to rain near the end of the event and damage to some electrical equipment. To avoid a repeat, they made the call early to cancel this month’s market, prioritizing safety and preparation.

“We tried to push through similar conditions last year, and unfortunately, many vendors lost products due to rain at the end of the market, along with damage to some of our electrical equipment,” the announcement said. “To prevent that from happening again, we are making the call now to ensure our vendors and attendees don’t face unnecessary losses.”

The event was set to mark the kickoff of the 2025 season for the popular downtown market, which is held on Washington Street in Camden. Organizers said the First Friday Market will resume in May, weather permitting.

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First Friday Monthly Market launched in 2024 as a way to bring energy to downtown Camden and support local businesses. The monthly event has grown quickly, typically featuring more than 50 vendors offering handmade goods, fresh produce, food trucks, and live music.

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin has activated the state’s price gouging law following Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ April 2 declaration of a state emergency due to severe storms in northeast Arkansas.

Griffin announced Wednesday that Act 376 of 1997, which prohibits excessive price increases during a declared emergency, is now in effect statewide. The law limits businesses from charging more than 10 percent above pre-disaster prices for essential goods and services, including building materials, emergency supplies, fuel, housing, and repair services.

“I continue to pray for those impacted by the April 2 storms, which caused significant damage across much of northeast Arkansas,” Griffin said in a statement. “Unfortunately, unscrupulous people may already be preying upon our neighbors with offers of quick repair jobs.”

Griffin urged residents not to be pressured into paying upfront for repairs and to contact their insurance companies before signing contracts.

To help protect homeowners, the Attorney General’s Office issued a list of seven tips to avoid storm cleanup scams:

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• Get multiple estimates

• Check contractor references

• Don’t be pressured to hire quickly

• Avoid contracts with blanks “to be filled in later”

• Don’t pay in full before the work is complete

• Don’t skip calling your insurance company

• Read and understand all insurance documents

Price gouging violations are considered a breach of the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and carry a civil penalty of up to $10,000. Individuals found guilty may also face a Class A misdemeanor.

The price gouging ban will remain in effect for at least 30 days, with a possible extension for an additional 30 days if needed. For home repair services, the law stays active for 180 days after the emergency declaration.

Consumers who suspect price gouging or fraudulent activity are encouraged to report it to the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office by calling (800) 482-8982, emailing consumer@arkansasag.gov, or visiting arkansasag.gov.

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