News
South Arkansas residents receive political appointments from Governor

LITTLE ROCK – Several current and former residents of South Arkansas have been named to different boards and commissions by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders in actions announced Thursday.
In a press release, Sanders announced that she had named Thad Mason of Norphlet to the Union County Quorum Court to serve as Justice of the Peace for District 6 through the end of 2026. Mason, 47, is a graduate of Southern Arkansas University and was named as the Norphlet Citizen of the Year in 2019.
In Ouachita County, Michael Tyler of Camden has been appointed to serve as Justice of the Peace for District 3, for Ouachita County through December 31, 2026. Tyler fulfills the remaining term of Carl Edward Pickett, Jr. who passed away in October of last year. Tyler and his wife Tammy are ranchers who were named Ouachita County’s Farm Family of the Year in 2022.
Former El Dorado resident Jeff Teague, now living in Fayetteville, has been re-appointed by Sanders to serve on the Arkansas State Police Commission to serve through the end of 2032. Teague owned and operated several car dealerships in the area for over three decades, and now serves as Chairman and CEO of Batesville-based Citizens Bank.
El Dorado attorney Molly Shepherd has been re-appointed to the Arkansas Economic Development Council through the end of 2029. The Conway native and Ouachita Baptist University graduate has been an attorney with PPGMR Law since 2016 and serves on several boards and committees locally. She is the wife of Circuit Judge John Thomas Shepherd.
Other appointments by Sanders include:
Alcoholic Beverage Control Board
Andrew Berner, Jonesboro, to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. Term to expire January 14, 2027. Replaces Steven Smith.
Arkansas Economic Development Council
Jerry Holder, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Economic Development Council. Term to expire January 14, 2029. Replaces Tracy Rancifer.
Arkansas Public Service Commission
Lawrence “Justin” Tate, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Public Service Commission. Term to expire January 14, 2031. Reappointment.
Arkansas Racing Commission
Michael “Denny” East, Marion, to the Arkansas Racing Commission. Term to expire January 14, 2030. Reappointment.
John Schmelzle, Rogers, to the Arkansas Racing Commission. Term to expire January 14, 2030. Replaces Kent ‘Bo” Hunter.
Arkansas Real Estate Commission
Eugene Post, Fort Smith, to the Arkansas Real Estate Commission. Term to expire December 31, 2027. Reappointment.
Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas
Roger Polston, Cave City, to the Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas. Term to expire June 15, 2027. Reappointment
Contractors Licensing Board
Donald Weaver, Conway, to the Contractors Licensing Board. Term to expire December 31, 2027. Reappointment.
Post-Prison Transfer Board
William Shock, Conway, to the Post-Prison Transfer Board. Term to January 14, 2032. Reappointment.
State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors
Jared Wiley, Benton, to the State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors. Term to expire July 1, 2027. Replaces Lorie Tudor.
Jefferson County Quorum Court
Richard Victorino, Pine Bluff, to serve as Justice of the Peace for District 11, for Jefferson County. Term expires December 31, 2026. Fulfills the remaining term of Danny Holcomb.
Independence County Quorum Court
Boyce C. Barnett, Cave City, to serve as Justice of the Peace for District 5, for Independence County. Term expires December 31, 2026. Fulfills the remaining term of Bill Lindsey.
Poinsett County Quorum Court
Diane Jones, Harrisburg, to serve as Justice of the Peace for District 1, for Poinsett County. Term expires December 31, 2026. Fulfills the remaining term of Randy Jones.
Van Buren County Quorum Court
Robbia Mays, Clinton, to serve as Justice of the Peace for District 1, for Van Buren County. Term expires December 31, 2026. Fulfills the remaining term of David Holcomb.
News
Wildcat Wellness Center Announces Summer Schedule

EL DORADO — The El Dorado School District has announced that the Wildcat Wellness Center will remain open with limited provider availability throughout June 2025, with important scheduling reminders for families who may need care or medication refills before summer break.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to plan ahead, particularly for prescription refills, as the provider will be out of the office from Friday, June 6 through Friday, June 13. The final day to see the provider before the summer closure will be Thursday, June 26.
For students and staff who have previously been seen at the Wildcat Wellness Center, continued care is available through CABUN Rural Health Services during the break. Nearby clinics include:
- Hampton Clinic: 870-798-4064
- Strong Clinic: 870-797-7620
The Wildcat Wellness Center will officially reopen on Monday, August 4, just ahead of the new school year. District officials say they look forward to serving students and staff once again in the 2025–2026 academic year.
News
City of Camden Offering Pool Passes At Carnes Park

CAMDEN — Just in time for summer, the City of Camden is now offering monthly passes for families to enjoy unlimited swimming at Carnes Park Pool throughout the month of June.
Passes are available for purchase at Camden City Hall or directly at Carnes Park Pool. Pricing is based on family size, with a pass for a family of three available for $70, a family of four for $85, and a family of five for $100.
City officials say the initiative is aimed at providing affordable, family-friendly recreation during the summer heat. With unlimited access all month long, residents can enjoy the pool as often as they like.
Whether you’re looking to beat the heat, stay active, or simply make lasting summer memories, the monthly pass offers a cost-effective way to dive into summer fun.
For more information or to purchase your pass, visit Camden City Hall or Carnes Park Pool during regular hours.
News
Monroe Attorney Leads Purchase Of Four Regional Radio Stations

MONROE — A group of Monroe-based investors is acquiring a cluster of popular radio stations with strong listenership in South Arkansas, according to a filing submitted this week to the Federal Communications Commission.
Warrior Media LLC, a locally owned company, is purchasing Rock 106, My Country 92.3, 103.1 Now FM, and Sunny 98.3 from Stephens Media Group of Tulsa, Oklahoma, for $450,000. The deal will transfer control of some of the region’s most recognizable radio brands, pending FCC approval.
Leading the acquisition is Jeff Guerriero, a Monroe personal injury attorney with offices in both Monroe and Shreveport. Guerriero, who also holds credentials as a registered NFL sports agent, previously ran for Congress in 2014 before withdrawing from the race.
Guerriero is joined in the venture by several notable regional business figures: Parker Moskal, president of the Monroe Moccasins hockey organization; Everett Stagg, co-chairman of credit services company Coast Professional, based in West Monroe; and Jeff Donald, owner of Donald Farms.
With strong signals that reach deep into South Arkansas and North Louisiana, the stations have long served a broad regional audience. The acquisition by Warrior Media is expected to maintain local ownership and potentially bring new investment to the stations’ operations.
The transaction remains subject to federal regulatory approval.
News
El Dorado Chamber Unveils Summer Bingo Card

EL DORADO — The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce is putting a playful twist on summer activities this year with the launch of “Summer Bingo,” a community engagement initiative designed to encourage families to explore local events, public spaces and small businesses.
With the community calendar packed with kid-friendly events, the Chamber saw an opportunity to turn the season into an adventure. Participants can stop by the Chamber office to pick up a bingo card filled with a variety of fun activities. As families complete tasks—from attending events to visiting local parks and businesses—they can mark off their squares.
Once participants complete a bingo, they can return their card to the Chamber and receive a sweet reward: a free ice cream cone, courtesy of Andy’s.
“Summer Bingo is a fun and easy way to explore everything our community has to offer,” said Chamber officials. “It’s designed for all ages and a great way to get families moving, playing and supporting local.”
Participants are also encouraged to share their summer adventures on social media using the hashtag #goeldorado, allowing the community to follow along and join the fun.
Bingo cards are available now at the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce.
News
Pleasant Grove Road Reopens Following Bridge Repairs

EL DORADO — Pleasant Grove Road at Loutre Creek is now open to traffic following the successful completion of bridge repairs, County Judge Mike Loftin announced Monday.
The road had been closed since May 29 for scheduled maintenance on the Loutre Creek bridge. Crews completed the work within the estimated five-day window.
“Bridge repairs are complete. Pleasant Grove Road is now open,” Judge Loftin said in a brief statement. “Thank you for your patience.”
The closure, announced in advance by the county on May 28, allowed for necessary structural improvements to ensure safe travel along the well-traveled route.
Drivers are encouraged to resume normal travel patterns.
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