Local Digest

Pryor to meet with local manufacturers

U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor is scheduled to host a manufacturing round-table in El Dorado at 1:45 p.m. on Friday at South Arkansas Community College’s East Campus, Center for Workforce Development, 3696 E. Main Road.

Pryor is scheduled to meet with representatives of Great Lakes Solutions, the Union County Industrial Board, El Dorado Chemical Co., ThermaFlite and the Arkansas Women’s Business Center.

Following the round-table, SouthARK will demo its Hands on Training (HOT) unit, according to a news release from Pryor’s office.

Teen driving ‘roadeo’ scheduled for today

Arkansas Children’s Hospital, in partnership with PRIDE Youth Programs, will be hosting a teen driving “roadeo” from 3 until 5 p.m. today at the El Dorado High School Arena. Sponsors for the event are Keith Jackson’s Allstate Insurance A gency and Teague Auto Group.

According to Deb Crawford, director of PRIDE in El Dorado, teen drivers and their parents will attend 12 stations where they will experience and learn about safe driving and vehicle maintenance. The local NAPA Auto Parts store will teach what fluids need to be checked in a vehicle, how to change a tire, and how to charge a battery safely.

The El Dorado Police Department will teach sessions on traffic violations and motor vehicle crashes, and participants will experience driving golf carts while wear goggles that simulate impaired driving.

Union County Sheriff ’s Office deputies will demonstrate and present what local fire and water rescue crews do to rescue victims as a result of driving in hazardous weather and through flood waters. Members of the El Dorado Fire Department will demonstrate the use of the Jaws of Life to extricate a victim from a motor vehicle crash.

AT&T will provide the equipment for those attending to participate in a simulated course while texting and driving. Allstate Insurance will talk to students and parents about insurance requirements, what will make insurance rates increase, and if the state minimum requirement provides adequate coverage.

Representatives of the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Injury Prevention Center will educate parents and teens about the restrictions and laws related to the Graduated Driver's License Law. Representatives from trucking.org will have an 18-wheeler on site to educate students and parents about the difficulty “big rig” drivers have seeing vehicles trying to pass them.

Teen drivers will receive a T-shirt, car care kit, and a certificate that can be given to their insurance company, which may provide a discount. Both parents and teens will be given a hot dog, chips and drink upon completion. There is no cost for the event, and it is open to all teen drivers and parents in South Arkansas. Space is limited.

Teen drivers and their parents should arrive to attend a 3 p.m. or 5 p.m. session, or they may pre-register by calling Arkansas Children’s Hospital at (501) 364-3400 or register on-line at archildrens.org/ ipc.

For additional information contact PRIDE Youth Programs at (870) 864-5121.

Felsenthal to fund street paving project

FELSENTHAL — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commision Marine fuel tax money will fund the paving of K Avenue at a cost of $99,000, Felsenthal Mayor Linda Newbury reported at the monthly meeting of the Felsenthal City Council. Newbury said she received the contract from AGFC. She added that the labor will be done by Union County, according to County Judge Mike Loftin. The town will be provide up to three culverts for side streets, especially Third and K Avenue.

Council members were reminded that petitions for mayoral and alderman independent candidates for the November election must be in the County Clerk’s office no later than noon on Aug. 15.

It was also reported that Quality Electric has completed the work of replacing the Water Tower control box and that Sandra Clark has begun rehab work on a sign. The latter should be completed in a couple of weeks.

The status of the contracted fencing project was also discussed.

It was noted that work on a low corner off First street would be completed as soon as weather permits and that the other two parts of the project — the fencing and gate on the lift station on Short Circle and the repair of the fencing around the water tower — have been completed.

Historic District meets at noon today

The El Dorado Historic District Commission will meet at noon today in the second-floor conference room of City Hall.