A line of severe storms produced unconfirmed tornados Thursday afternoon in the area of Cairo and Mount Holly in western Union County. Several homes were damaged, and numerous trees were reported down.
In Calhoun and Ouachita counties, damage was reported in Bearden and East Camden.
If you did not receive your paper, one will be coming to you some time today. The press broke down Tuesday evening mid-run, and the remaining papers were printed at our sister paper in Texarkana.
Please be patient. We are expecting the press to be back in operation today.
**NOTE** There’s a rumor going around some Internet circles saying that someone died in our press room at the News-Times, and that’s the reason the press broke down. That isn’t true. Don’t you love the way rumors get started and circulated?
**UPDATE** We are back up and operating.
Irony: I’ve been down with the flu, though I’m not certain it was the H1N1 variety, and now my first post after the nasty bug is about the flu.
We’re following a story today about Friday’s mass flu vaccination, to be held at the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium. It appears that H1N1 shots will be limited to pregnant women, along with children ages 5-18 with underlying medical conditions.
Children 6 months to 4 years of age will also be allowed to have the H1N1 vaccine.
The seasonal flu vaccine will be available to everyone.
The clinic begins at 7 a.m.
Expect long lines and delays. News-Times reporter Tim Kessler is working on a story for Tuesday’s print edition.
I’m working on a story about a murder/suicide that occurred Wednesday night in Felsenthal, also more on flooding in Union County.
The Smackover area seems to be hardest hit.
Work on the print side is keeping me from doing much here. As always, check the News-Times Friday for more information.
The aroma of fresh coffee mixed freely with the acoustic offerings of Jeremy Langston and Chris Loggins Saturday night at ArtBeats Coffee House during a fund raiser for Southern Christian Home (SCH), a Morrilton, AR-based organization that provides housing and support for children in need. The fund raiser, organized by Langston’s son, Avery, raised over $500 for SCH and provided a venue for patrons to escape the cool, damp weather. Langston said that donations are still welcome and anyone interested can contact Volunteer Coordinator Lana Murphey at 501.354.2428.
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More photos after the jump
A tree down at Cleveland and Elm streets in downtown El Dorado
I have been out taking photos and surveying damage from this morning’s storms. Expect photos and updates throughout the day.
Forgive the delay, but this blog is a one-man show most of the time.
What we know so far: Power outages are being reported all over the county — 9,000 in Union County so far. The South Arkansas Art’s Center has major roof damage, and there are a few homes with roof damage.
Junction City High School’s principal is reporting that the campus is currently without power.
**UPDATE**
I didn’t have time to do as much updating on the storm as I wanted today. I was out in it for most of the day. Looks like the South Arkansas Art’s Center is continuing with their regularly scheduled performances, and most schools were back in session Friday afternoon. I’d say the county fared pretty well, considering.
Late Friday afternoon, we heard reports of significant damage on Ebenezer Road in the Strong area.
A guitarist for Blues Traveler rocks the stage during MusicFest.
Here’s a teaser for you: News-Times reporter Tim Kessler’s MusicFest wrap up will include many interesting tidbits about the economic impact the festival has on our city. And this year, a record crowd was reported by organiziers.
How many? 4,500 for Friday night, and a record shattering 8,500 Saturday.
The old Saturday night record was held by country crooner and native Arkansan Tracey Lawrence, who performed at MF two years ago.
Photo credit goes to News-Times City Editor Janice McIntyre.
Townsend
After a search that lasted nearly 36 hours, a man considered by authorities to be the prime suspect in the Sunday murder of a 70-year-old Strong man turned himself in to Union County sheriff’s deputies Tuesday.
Charles Gregory Townsend, 23, of 1408 N. Highland, El Dorado, was arrested on a warrant for murder in connection with the death of Strong resident Earl K. Smith, who was shot twice Sunday night in what Union County Sheriff Ken Jones is calling an armed robbery.
Townsend is being held in the Union County Jail on a $1 million cash only bond. Look for more in Wednesday’s News-Times.
News-Times reporter Tim Kessler is working on a post-MusicFest story this week and it will include, among other things, the amount of beer consumed. Let’s just say it was several thousand cans, or nearly 94,000 ounces. *Burp* Pardon me.
Also, News-Times City Editor Janice McIntyre shared these photos she snapped at the event. Did you go? Did you have a good time? Let’s hear about it. Unfortunately, a toothache kept me from attending Friday, and Saturday I was consumed with other activities, including the Razorback game. Woo Pig!
Below: John Popper of Blues Traveler.
I figure most of you already know who is playing and where, considering we have had extensive coverage in the print edition.
But in case you need more, click here.
I had high hopes that I’d be able to attend, but it looks as though I probably won’t be able to. I will be curious to see how many folks show up this year.
I don’t care what organizers say, last year’s attendance seemed down from previous festivals. Hopefully this will be a record breaking year. El Dorado needs a good booster shot in its economic arm.
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