SHREVEPORT – After a night of severe thunderstorms, more unsettled weather is expected today across southern and eastern parts of the region, including South Arkansas. The National Weather Service in Shreveport has placed the area under a Level 1 (Marginal) risk for severe storms, the lowest tier on its five-level scale.

Scattered showers will continue through much of the morning, with embedded thunderstorms developing at times. While isolated thunderstorms are possible throughout the day, the best chance for stronger storms will be in the southern and eastern zones.

Forecasters warn of potential hazards including damaging wind gusts in excess of 60 miles per hour and large hail up to quarter size or larger.

Residents are advised to stay weather aware and monitor for any warnings issued throughout the day, especially in areas like El Dorado, Ruston, and Monroe.

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For the latest updates, visit weather.gov/shv or follow @NWSShreveport on social media.

EL DORADO — The Murphy Arts District (MAD) in El Dorado is teaming up with the NELA Music Association in a new partnership aimed at providing expanded performance opportunities for musicians from Northeast Louisiana.

Announced Monday, the collaboration is a significant move to bring fresh talent from the NELA region to new stages and broader audiences. As part of the agreement, the Murphy Arts District will serve as the official presenter of the Best Emerging Artist Award at the 2025 NELA Music Awards.

The partnership underscores both organizations’ shared mission to elevate Southern music and create platforms for rising artists.

“We greatly admire the work they’ve done to build a thriving district that champions live music,” said Myra Gatling-Akers, President and Founder of the NELA Music Awards. “Expanding into new markets is vital for our musicians, giving them greater exposure and helping them grow their fan base beyond our region.”

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Joanna Benson, Marketing Manager at MAD, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the venue’s long-standing support of regional talent.

“Over the years, we’ve developed a strong bond with many talented NELA artists who have taken the stage at MAD, and it’s been a joy to watch their careers flourish,” Benson said. “We’re passionate about continuing to support and build relationships with the next generation of artists.”

The partnership is expected to drive greater visibility for emerging musicians while reinforcing El Dorado’s status as a vibrant cultural hub in the South.

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EL DORADO — The El Dorado School Board will convene for its regular monthly meeting Monday evening at 6 p.m., with several key items on the agenda, including athletic budgeting, personnel discussions, and assurances for federal education programs.

Board members will begin by reviewing and approving the minutes from the May 12 regular meeting, as well as three special called meetings held on May 8, May 13, and May 27.

One of the notable items on the agenda is a presentation from Athletic Director Phillip Lansdell regarding the district’s athletic budget and insurance plans for the upcoming school year. The board will also vote on a resolution to appoint a representative to the South Central Service Cooperative Board of Directors.

Sherry Floss is scheduled to present the annual ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act), IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) assurances, and the district’s GEPA (General Education Provisions Act) statement, which are required for federal funding compliance.

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Additionally, the board will consider student transfer petitions before moving into executive session to discuss personnel matters.

The meeting will take place at the district’s central office and is open to the public.

EL DORADO — The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce is inviting the community to “Give the Spice of Life” by donating blood during a special drive on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Chamber’s downtown office, located at 111 W. Main Street.

Organized in partnership with LifeShare Blood Center, the drive aims to help save lives by collecting much-needed blood donations for hospitals across the region. Each donation can help up to three patients in need, according to organizers.

As a token of appreciation, every donor will receive a complimentary pass to attend the Chamber’s “Business After Hours” event that same evening at The Wooden Nickel. The networking event is designed to support local business connections while celebrating those who gave the gift of life.

Community members are encouraged to stop by, roll up their sleeves, and make a meaningful impact.

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For more information, contact the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce.

MAGNOLIA – For years, Tracy Campbell has collected antique signs and memorabilia. And through that pursuit, he has come to see himself as preserving the history of his community in Minden, La.

Now, he is part of that history.

Campbell, a 1999 graduate of Southern Arkansas University, was named Minden Man of the Year earlier this spring. “It was very humbling. When you think of some of the guys who have made a difference in this town, I don’t feel that I’m worthy of that kind of recognition,” said Campbell. “It was really nice.”

He currently works as a partner and financial advisor with Merriweather Wealth and Planning, a financial planning company in Minden. He is also a business owner in Minden. However, his initial career course was in media.

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Campbell received his bachelor’s degree in mass communications-print journalism in May of 1999. Two weeks later, he married his high school sweetheart, Jennifer. Shortly after that, he and his wife moved to Minden, where he became editor of the local newspaper, the Minden Press-Herald.

The couple moved to Hope, Ark., for a brief period, where he led the marketing department at a community college before returning to Minden in 2003.  It was around that time that Campbell began to pursue his passion for old memorabilia, particularly vintage advertising signs and logos.

“I was at my uncle’s house in Sarepta, and I noticed a sign lying on his carport under his truck,” Campbell related. The old sign was for Kuhn’s Climatized Paints, and it piqued his interest. “I asked him what he was going to do with it.” It turns out his uncle was only using the sign to catch oil as it leaked from his truck. Campbell, however, had an idea for a better use for it.

“He told me I could have it if I could find something to replace it with. So I brought him another piece of scrap metal.”

However, Campbell’s interest in older items began when he was just 12 years old.  It all started when I was a kid,” Campbell explained. “I would ride my bike to garage sales, buy stuff, and put it in my closet. Then, I would sell it to make a profit. ”Campbell’s love for the older advertising signs and merchandise began slowly while living in Minden. “I started with like five pieces, then I had 10. Now, I probably have around 300 different items. “I just find it enjoyable. And it’s therapeutic,” added Campbell.

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Campbell has kept many of the items he has found and restored. Other items he has sold. His hobby has also led to other opportunities. Recently, he appeared on the show “Hometown Kickstart,” which visits various towns each week in search of antiques and memorabilia. The program visited Minden for the series finale.

“I was a picker for that episode. I met the designers at a collector friend’s place in Cotton Valley, La., and helped them locate some raw materials for their projects,” explained Campbell. “It is interesting to see first-hand how those renovation reality shows are filmed.”

While Campbell loves preserving local history, he said SAU helped prepare him for wherever his career took him. “SAU has 100 percent prepared me. My time at SAU, especially in the journalism department, taught me how to communicate. One of the foundational things you have in life is to know how to communicate both in speaking and writing.”

While at SAU, Campbell also worked part-time in the Communications Center, which was the marketing office for the University. “My time in the Communications Center was beneficial. I got to hone my graphic design skills and my writing skills. Those skills carried me through every job I’ve ever had.”

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Campbell’s wife, Jennifer, is the branch manager of the Minden branch of the Webster Parrish Library. She has learned over the years not to be surprised at anything Campbell might bring home.

“My family thinks it’s kind of funny,” said Campbell of his wife, his son Colin, who is now a junior at Louisiana Tech majoring in computer science, and his daughter Lily, who will be a sophomore in high school in the fall. “They say, ‘You never know what Tracy is going to bring home.’ They know to expect the unexpected,” he said with a laugh.

Recently, he brought home perhaps the most unique item yet – a 17-foot sign for the former Minden Motel.

“They know I like saving and preserving the local history. I’m kind of a caretaker for this stuff. I get to keep it and enjoy it for a little while, and then someone else can have it to enjoy it.”

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