El Dorado News-Times
Smackover Lithium clears NEPA review for SW Arkansas Project
Smackover Lithium said the U.S. Department of Energy has completed its environmental review of the South West Arkansas Project under the National Environmental Policy Act, issuing a Finding of No Significant Impact, or FONSI. The decision concludes...
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Stevie Jo’s Ribbon Cutting
The Union County El Dorado Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting at Stevie Jo's, a female clothing store.
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Where softball and community come together
As the sun descends over the El Dorado Recreation Complex, the gentle clatter of bats echoes through the air. The atmosphere is filled with the enticing aroma of freshly cut grass and hot dogs and nachos from the concession stand. The parking lot...
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AI-generated bills are misinforming residents on social media
False reports of new laws being enacted are the latest trend in AI-generated fake news. Currently, one such bill that can be found on Facebook, labeled House Bill 1742, says, “Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has officially signed House Bill 1742 into...
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Tensions flare near Strait of Hormuz as a ship is seized and another is sunk
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — A ship anchored off the United Arab Emirates was seized and taken toward Iran and another — a cargo ship near Oman — sank after being attacked, authorities said Thursday, as tensions escalated near the Strait of...
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Senators again pitch area as future hub for U.S. lithium production
Three Republican senators are pressing the Defense Department to back lithium development in South Arkansas and East Texas, arguing the region could become a critical domestic source for minerals used in U.S. weapons systems and military...
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Bones found in cemetery suspected to be animal remains
El Dorado police were notified of the discovery of bones in Morningstar Cemetery on Friday evening. The cemetery groundskeeper told local law enforcement he was mowing the cemetery at approximately 6:40 p.m. when he discovered unidentified bones near...
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Sudie Garner celebrates 100th birthday
Sudie Vernessa Calloway Garner, known also as “Mamma Sudie” turned 100 on May 7. Family and friends of Garner gathered at First Baptist Church in El Dorado on Sunday to celebrate the milestone event. Garner, born in Laran, Louisiana in 1926, the...
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More than $76M worth of building permits issued in ’25
Eleven building permits, totaling $4.75 million, were issued in the city during the first quarter of 2026, according to Robert Edmonds, director of public works. While the total estimated value of the permits far exceeded the total from the same...
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Local Standard Lithium manager is honored among rising leaders
A few years ago, Will Smith took a gamble. He left a steady engineering job for a company people in Arkansas maybe had not heard of at the time — Standard Lithium — and stepped into a developing industry built around the promise of extracting lithium...
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Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission renews almost all of state’s licenses, delays 5 others over paperwork issues
The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission renewed all but five of the licenses for the state’s cannabis dispensaries, cultivators and processors at its meeting Thursday. In total, 34 out of the state’s 37 medical marijuana dispensaries, and six out of...
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Pregnant women, new mothers the focus of Arkansas ad campaign promoting local health units
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Arkansas health officials debuted a new campaign Wednesday to promote the availability of prenatal and postpartum care at the state Department of Health’s local health units. The campaign, launched with the tagline...
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Don Miller appointed to vacancy on El Dorado City Council
Residents of Ward 2 have a new representative on the El Dorado City Council. Don Miller has been appointed to fill the unexpired term of former Council Member Vance Williamson. During a special called meeting Tuesday, Miller was plucked from a pool...
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Keep El Dorado Beautiful staying busy
The past two weeks have been busy for Keep El Dorado Beautiful. In April, the group conducted its annual, community Litter Index Survey and teamed up with Hugh Goodwin elementary school for Plant the Town Purple 2026. KEB also set up a booth that...
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Town halls set in May, June on Arkansas’ forthcoming Medicaid work requirement
The Arkansas Department of Human Services announced Friday it will host a series of five town halls this month and in June about the work requirement that will take effect Jan. 1 for enrollees in the state’s Medicaid expansion program. Department...
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Coalition forms to oppose state constitutional amendment on private schools
Three groups favoring school choice have come together to again oppose a proposed constitutional amendment they said is an attack on educational freedom in Arkansas. The conservative think tank Opportunity Arkansas and the nonprofits Reform Alliance...
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Two Standard Lithium employees are honored with Patriot Award
Two Standard Lithium employees recently received the Patriot Award after being nominated by co-worker Jackson Gray, who serves in the National Guard. Terrie James, a volunteer with Arkansas Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, presented...
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Gay Bechtelheimer's exhibition 'Outermost' to open at SAAC
Artist Gay Bechtelheimer is preparing to install an exhibition of her new works, entitled “Outermost,” in SAAC’s Merkle Gallery. The new exhibition, which includes watercolor, pastel, and collage created by Bechtelheimer, will be on display May 7-28....
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Spring Book Sale at Barton Library this weekend
the Barton Library is underway. From April 30- May 2, books will be on sale for $1 per book or fill a bag for $5 in the Barton Library parking lot. Thursday and Friday hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
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El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce awarded $9,025 from AEDC
Governor Sarah Sanders joined the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) to award 22 communities with $25 million through the Arkansas Site Development Program. The communities receiving Arkansas Site Development Program funds include Bradley...
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Trump, King Charles tout alliance
WASHINGTON — King Charles III marked the 250th anniversary of American independence from Britain with gratitude that the two countries united to build “one of the most consequential alliances in human history” while urging “that we ignore the clarion...
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Cotton raises Arkansas lithium project in Senate hearing
U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., on Tuesday pointed to a lithium deposit in South Arkansas as an important piece of the nation’s effort to build up its own supply of critical minerals, pressing Energy Secretary Chris Wright on how quickly projects can...
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City continuing discussions about tax oversight to support SARH
Time is drawing near for an acquisition deal to go into effect for South Arkansas Regional Hospital and Baptist Health system. SARH reached a definitive agreement last month for Baptist to add the El Dorado to its health system and assume operation...
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No injuries reported in Parkers Chapel structure fire
Parkers Chapel and El Dorado fire departments responded to a structure fire reported on Red Oak Drive in Parkers Chapel on Saturday morning. The fire was called into dispatch by the Fire Marshall who lived in the neighborhood and was talking a walk...
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Carbon removal firm says Arkansas has most forest restoration projects in the southeastern U.S. states
Carbon removal project developer Chestnut Carbon Arkansas said Thursday that Arkansas led six southeastern U.S. states with the highest number of forest restoration projects, highest state-level economic impact and highest job creation, with 31...
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SACC raises awareness about child abuse for Child Abuse Awareness Month
The South Arkansas Children’s Coalition (SACC) is raising awareness about child abuse in Union County during Child Abuse Awareness Month. SACC is an organization that provides services aimed at supporting children affected by abuse. Their efforts...
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Federal judge halts state law affecting minors’ internet access
A federal judge has halted enforcement of an Arkansas law that would have restricted access by minors to the internet and prohibited social media platforms from engaging in “addictive practices.” The preliminary injunction means Act 900 of 2025, which...
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Cotton raises lithium project in Senate hearing
Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton on Tuesday pointed to a lithium deposit in South Arkansas as an important piece of the nation’s effort to build up its own supply of critical minerals, pressing Energy Secretary Chris Wright on how quickly projects can move...
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EHS hosts 19th Academic Signing Day for seniors
El Dorado High School held its 19th annual Academic Signing Day on Monday. Three hundred and four seniors gathered in the stadium to sign for the El Dorado Promise, a scholarship program that provides funding for college and tuition fees. The event...
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Trump says U.S. negotiators will go to Pakistan on Monday for more talks with Iran
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said U.S. negotiators will head to Pakistan on Monday for another round of talks with Iran, raising hopes of extending a fragile ceasefire set to expire by Wednesday, even as Washington and Tehran remain in a...
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Preparations are ongoing for 34th Mayhaw Festival
The 34th Mayhaw Festival will have a little something for everyone. The festival is scheduled to be held on Saturday, May 2, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For South Arkansas Historical Preservation Society Executive Director Jimmie Lunsford, preparations are...
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Soul Fest rescheduled to May 1 in anticipation of inclement weather
Blues and Southern soul fans are going to have to wait a little longer to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Soul Fest. The annual concert that features the biggest names in blues, southern soul and R&B has been rescheduled to May 1 due to inclement...
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Local youth showcase photography project at Murphy USA
Students from the Boys and Girls Club of El Dorado showcased a photography project at Murphy USA on Wednesday. Lisa Tarver, an Artist in Education instructor, worked with the youth on capturing the angles of colored to pattern marbles with...
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Arkansas ‘DoorDash grandma’ delivers burgers to White House
Sharon Simmons, the “DoorDash grandma” from Arkansas who delivered McDonald’s take-out to President Donald Trump at the Oval Office on Monday, was chosen by DoorDash for the role because she had testified in July before a congressional hearing in Las...
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El Dorado native is confirmed to federal bench
John Thomas Shepherd was confirmed as a judge for the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas on Tuesday. Shepherd was introduced to the Senate Judiciary Committee in February by Senator John Boozman and endorsed by President Donald...
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Sprintastic Line Dance weekend brings vistors to Camden from across the south
The 870 Free Style Dancers hosted the Springtastic Line Dance Weekend Friday and Saturday at the Events Center at Fairview Park in Camden. Dance groups from around South Arkansas and as far away at Shreveport and Little Rock attended the event in...
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City OKs construction contract for expo
The El Dorado City Council has formally approved a construction contract and a pair of change orders for the phase-one build out of the South Arkansas Expo Center. On April 9, city council members approved two resolutions, one, authorizing Mayor Paul...
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Youth of the Year: Boys & Girls Club’s Richmond makes most of hectic schedule
To say that Jeanaisa Richmond has a hectic schedule would be a vast understatement. A senior at El Dorado, Richmond has her studies along with a job at Andy’s Restaurant. Then there is her work at the Boys & Girls Club of El Dorado. Richmond, who...
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Back-The-Kids Campaign 2026
The Boys and Girls Club of Union County is holding their annual Back-The-Kids Campaign to better support the youth of Union County. The Boys and Girls Club serves 4,358 children across Union County, and this campaign helps fund programs and services...
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Filing period begins in July for independents seeking city offices
The filing period is more than three months away for independent candidates who plan to run without party affiliation for city offices in Union County for the General Election in November. The filing period begins at noon July 20 and will end at noon...
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Standard Lithium employees receive Patriot Award
Two workers at Standard Lithium received the Patriot Award on Wednesday after being nominated by their employee Jackson Gray, who serves in the National Guard. Terrie James, a volunteer with Arkansas Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, pinned...
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Oil prices plunge, stock futures jump amid ceasefire deal
NEW YORK — Oil prices plunged and U.S. stock futures jumped after President Donald Trump held off on his threat of devastating attacks on Iran. U.S. crude oil futures fell more than 15%. Futures for the S&P 500 were up 2.2% as of 8:05 p.m. ET, while...
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Blippi one of several events set for April 11
Popular children’s character Blippi is returning to El Dorado next month with a live show that will include singing, dancing and interactive fun. The Be Like Blippi Tour! is making a stop at 2 p.m. April 11 in the First Financial Music Hall at MAD...
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Residents in South Arkansas gather for No Kings protest
Residents of Columbia, Ouachita and Union counties joined together on Saturday to protest in El Dorado as part of the third No Kings Day. An estimated 60 to 70 people showed up to the El Dorado No Kings protest, with other protests in Arkansas being...
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SAAC celebrates milestone collaboration with Rumors and Special Anniversary Event
The South Arkansas Arts Center (SAAC) will present “Rumors” by Neil Simon April 10–12 and April 16–18 in the Callaway Theatre. Generously sponsored by Murphy-Pitard Jewelers and All About Flowers, this fast-paced farce promises an evening, or...
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City tracking collaborative projects with SouthArk
El Dorado city officials recently took action on agreements between the city and South Arkansas College for a pair of collaborative projects. Earlier this month, the El Dorado City Council and El Dorado Wins Board approved a funding request of...
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First responders meet and greet
Playscape welcomed first responders to its stomping grounds Friday, giving children in the community a chance to interact with them. Local police officers and firefighters greeted children with hugs, handshakes and photos during their meet and greet....
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Cotton asks federal officials to let farmers use tax-exempt off-road diesel fuel on roads
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., wants the federal government to temporarily pause penalties for using off-road diesel for on-road use as fuel prices rise amid the ongoing Iran war. Cotton, of Little Rock, sent a letter Thursday to Treasury...
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Lockheed to ramp up output amid new agreement
The Department of War, in partnership with Lockheed Martin, announced a framework agreement to quadruple the production of seekers for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor and to accelerate the production of the Precision Strike...
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Dirt Friends hosts garden activity at Playscape
Children put their little shovels to work Monday at Playscape during a garden activity with Dirt Friends Garden Group. Dirt Friends, a nonprofit organization in El Dorado that plants flowers across town to create a colorful city, shared their...
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United for a purpose to feed
Organizations and local leaders joined forces Monday at the Salvation Army, to make lunches for the annual Spring Feed. Spring Feed is one of the food programs the Salvation Army does for children in the community during Spring Break. Volunteers...
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Jester voices support for SAVE America Act as lawmakers in Washington push through debate
WASHINGTON — Arkansas Secretary of State Cole Jester is backing congressional Republicans’ elections measure as the Senate GOP plans to continue their standstill over the proposal for the foreseeable future. President Donald Trump has demanded...
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Entergy addresses El Dorado concerns
Complaints and questions regarding streetlight outages, how to report them and response times for repairs have once again reared their heads, prompting the El Dorado City Council to reach out to an Entergy official. DeQuante Moore, customer service...
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Federal law enforcement program working to combat Arkansas gun crimes
Violent crime — particularly gun crimes — have been a persistent and growing problem for Arkansas law enforcement. Several Arkansas cities — including Little Rock, North Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Helena-West Helena, West Memphis, to name a few — have...
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New construction on the way for The Newton House
The Newton House celebrated a new project on Thursday. The Newton House is an historic museum that was built by Matthew Rainey, El Dorado’s first settler. This building has served as a gathering place for the community, hosting tours, weddings,...
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State panel advances contract to provide ‘roadmap’ for Arkansas lithium
While many expect Arkansas to become a major lithium producer in the years to come, exactly what role it will play in the global market has yet to be determined. To help bring some clarity to that question, a panel of state legislators issued a...
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Union Parish seeking information on wanted persons
The Union Parish Sheriff’s Office is looking for the public’s help in finding three wanted individuals In Union Parish. UPSO is seeking the whereabouts of: • Landon Bryce Parks, a 22- to 23-year-old white male, known to frequent the Ruston and West...
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Contour Airlines takes flight in El Dorado
South Arkansas Regional Airport at Goodwin Field buzzed with activity Monday as Contour Airlines launched operations as the area’s new commercial air service. Workers with the Transportation Security Administration screened passengers as dozens of...
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Cotton backs Hammer over Norris in Arkansas secretary of state runoff
U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., announced he is backing Kim Hammer for secretary of state, joining a long list of the state’s GOP establishment who have endorsed the candidate. Hammer, a state senator from Benton, is facing Bryan Norris, a project...
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Junction City aiming to land grant for after-school program
At the end of February, the Junction City School District announced their intent to apply for a grant for the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers program with the Arkansas Department of Education. Ellen Lowe, the director of special...
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City finances ended 2025 on upswing
Mayor Paul Choate expected to deliver some notso-pleasant news regarding the city’s finances during his State of the City address Thursday. But he was able to share an encouraging note and assuage concerns of city officials after receiving a wrapup of...
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UAMS chancellor visits SARH
UAMS Chancellor Dr. C. Lowry Barnes visited South Arkansas Regional Hospital on Thursday in advance of plans to create a Family Practice Residency program at SARH. Dr. Barnes, who grew up in Arkansas, is the first chancellor of the university to not...
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Extreme Youth Prevention annual summit held this week in El Dorado
Extreme Youth Prevention held its annual Youth Summit on Tuesday at the El Dorado Conference Center. Students from all over Union County broke off into small groups and attended workshops on drug abuse, mental health, vaping and internet safety....
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State poultry industry faced estimated $200M in damages from winter storm
A study from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture found the state poultry industry sustained an estimated $200 million in poultry house damages after the winter storm in January. The extension’s report, released on March 3, found...
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Spring is beginning to show its colors
As Spring time approaches, flowers are beginning to make their grand entrance. On the downtown square there are plenty of colorful flower beds along the sidewalk for locals to admire.
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El Dorado Film Festival announces award winners
That’s a wrap on the 10th El Dorado Film Festival (EDFF)! EDFF Executive Director Alexander Jeffery and EDFF Chair Tamra Corley Davis announced the winners of the 2026 lineup in a ceremony at the South Arkansas Arts Center (SAAC) on Sunday, March...
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SHARE scholarships support future healthcare professionals
Since its founding 30 years ago, the SHARE Foundation has been awarding scholarships to students who are working toward careers in healthcare. Interested students can submit applications for scholarships for the summer through March 15. There are...
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Rain, storms expected through midweek in South Arkansas
Rain is expected to persist through much of the weekend and into midweek across South Arkansas, with periods of showers and thunderstorms and the potential for heavy rainfall, according to the National Weather Service. Jason Hansford, a senior...
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South Arkansas eXtreme Prevention Summit feted
Registration is open for the South Arkansas eXtreme Prevention Summit, which will be held from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. May 5 in the El Dorado Conference Center. Presented by the SHARE Foundation eXtreme Prevention program, the regional conference will...
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