EL DORADO, Ark. — New and expectant parents across South Arkansas are invited to attend a Community Baby and Safety Shower designed to connect families with essential supplies, education and local support services.

The event will take place Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Immanuel Baptist Church, located at 3209 West Hillsboro Street in El Dorado.

The shower is being hosted by TOUCH Coalition, which stands for Tremendous Opportunities for Union County Health, in partnership with Ambetter Health & Wellness, the UAMS Institute for Community Health and the UAMS Family Medicine Clinic.

While supplies last, families attending the event will be able to receive diapers, wipes and baby formula. A free boutique featuring baby clothing and other infant items will also be available.

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Arkansas Children’s Hospital representatives will be on site to provide car-seat safety checks and education. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to bring their child’s car seat to receive guidance on proper installation and use.

Safe-sleep classes will be offered at 10:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Participants who complete one of the classes may receive a portable Pack ’n Play while supplies are available.

More than 30 vendors are expected to participate, offering resources, supplies, educational materials and information about services available to children and families throughout the region.

Organizers say the event is intended to help parents prepare for their new arrival while learning about infant safety, health and community resources in a welcoming environment.

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EL DORADO, AR – The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce is recruiting new Lyft drivers to help expand transportation options across our region. Reliable transportation plays a vital role in connecting residents to jobs, education, healthcare, and other opportunities. Individuals interested in driving for Lyft can receive assistance through the program, including free vehicle inspections and cash incentives after completing the inspection process and joining the platform. An informational meeting and training session will be held on June 25 at 6:00 p.m. at the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce, 111 W. Main Street. Participants will learn how to get started, understand the requirements, and begin earning income as a Lyft driver.

Space is limited, and attendance is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, contact the Chamber at 870-863-6113.

EL DORADO — Residents across South Arkansas are being urged to stay weather-aware Monday evening as thunderstorms are expected to develop across the region, with some storms capable of producing damaging winds.

According to the National Weather Service in Shreveport, portions of South Arkansas are under a slight risk for severe weather through the evening hours. The greatest concern is the potential for strong to damaging wind gusts that could reach around 60 mph, capable of downing tree limbs, causing scattered power outages, and creating hazardous travel conditions.

Areas near El Dorado, Magnolia, Camden, and surrounding communities are included in the area facing the higher severe weather risk. While forecasters say the tornado threat remains very low and the risk for large hail is minimal, strong winds associated with thunderstorms are expected to be the primary hazard.

The severe weather threat comes as a Flood Watch remains in effect across much of South Arkansas through Tuesday morning. Heavy rainfall could lead to localized flooding, especially in low-lying areas, near creeks and streams, and on roadways.

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Weather officials encourage residents to have multiple ways to receive warnings, including weather radios, smartphone alerts, and local media. Residents are also urged to review their severe weather safety plans before storms begin to develop later this evening.

Forecasters will continue to monitor storm development throughout the evening and overnight as conditions remain favorable for strong thunderstorms across the Ark-La-Tex region.

EL DORADO — Residents across South Arkansas are being urged to stay weather-aware tonight as the National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch beginning at 4 p.m. Monday and continuing through 7 a.m. Tuesday.

The watch includes all of South Arkansas, including Union, Columbia, Ouachita, Calhoun, Bradley, Ashley, and surrounding counties. Forecasters say a slow-moving weather system is expected to bring periods of heavy rainfall beginning this evening and continuing through the overnight hours.

Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected across much of the region, with isolated areas potentially receiving even higher amounts. The greatest concern is localized flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas, along creeks and streams, and on roadways that are prone to flooding.

The National Weather Service warns that conditions could deteriorate quickly after sunset as thunderstorms become more widespread. Drivers are encouraged to use caution if traveling overnight and never attempt to drive through flooded roadways.

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Emergency officials are reminding residents to monitor forecasts throughout the evening, have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions if heavy rain develops over their area.

The Flood Watch remains in effect until 7 a.m. Tuesday, with forecasters continuing to monitor the potential for flooding across South Arkansas and the broader Ark-La-Tex region.

EL DORADO — Parents of children entering kindergarten in the El Dorado School District for the 2026-27 school year are being encouraged to sign up now for required kindergarten testing.

District officials announced that all incoming kindergarten students must participate in testing, which will be held on two dates in July. Testing sessions are scheduled for July 21 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and July 23 from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Parents are asked to register for a testing time slot based on their child’s assigned elementary school. Sign-up opportunities are available for students attending Yocum Elementary, Northwest Elementary, and Hugh Goodwin Elementary.

Families who have not yet received their child’s school placement are encouraged to check the email address used during enrollment, as placement notifications have been distributed electronically by the district.

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District officials say the testing helps schools prepare for incoming students and assists educators in making sure children are ready for a successful start to their educational journey.

The El Dorado School District said it is looking forward to welcoming the newest class of students when the school year begins later this summer.