An Organization in Need: UCAPS Suspends Intakes as Animals, Costs and Workload Mount

EL DORADO, Ark. — The Union County Animal Protection Society has temporarily stopped accepting animals after reaching what volunteers describe as the limits of its available space, staffing and resources.

UCAPS volunteer Terra Walker said the organization is caring for more than 400 animals through its adoption center, its shelter on Sunset Road and a network of foster homes. With kennels and other available areas occupied, she said the organization has nowhere to safely place additional animals.

“Unfortunately, we’ve had to close our intakes temporarily because we are simply out of space, out of time and out of the capacity to take on any more animals,” Walker said.

The closure comes as Union County continues to face a large number of stray and unwanted dogs and cats. Walker said one of the main causes is the number of animals in the community that have not been spayed or neutered.

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She said programs are available to help residents afford those procedures, but many pet owners are not taking advantage of them. The result, she said, is a continuing cycle of unwanted litters.

“We have lots and lots of unwanted litters of puppies and kittens that people think they can find homes for,” Walker said. “Many give away free kittens and free puppies, and then that continues the problem.”

Walker said reducing the number of unwanted animals will require residents to better understand the scope of the issue and take greater responsibility for preventing new litters.

Concerns About Local Animal Control

Walker also raised concerns about the current level of animal-control coverage available in the area.

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Based on the number of animals handled by UCAPS and the city, Walker said she does not believe the community has an animal-control program large enough to meet its needs. She said evening and weekend coverage is limited and claimed that law enforcement officers sometimes contact UCAPS because they cannot access the city pound after regular hours.

Walker also said she would like to see a closer working relationship between UCAPS and local animal-control services.

She pointed to other Arkansas communities where animal-control departments and rescue organizations work together to place adoptable animals, address behavioral concerns and manage overcrowding.

“We’ve got to make sustaining changes as a community and as an organization,” Walker said. “We have got to start making changes in the way that we do things.”

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More Than 400 Animals in Care

UCAPS currently operates with five paid employees, according to Walker. She said those employees earn only slightly more than minimum wage, while administrative work is handled by volunteers.

With limited staff and volunteers, the organization is responsible for feeding, cleaning, transporting and arranging medical care for more than 400 animals each day.

Walker said the animals housed at the adoption center represent only part of the organization’s total population. UCAPS also continues to care for animals at its Sunset Road location and through volunteers who open their homes as fosters.

She said the number of animals has placed considerable pressure on a staff that was already operating with few people.

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“We’re as lean as you get,” Walker said. “There are not any paid administrative people. All of us are volunteers.”

Annual Costs Approach Half a Million Dollars

Walker estimated that it costs between $450,000 and $500,000 each year to operate UCAPS.

Veterinary expenses alone total approximately $180,000 annually, she said. Payroll is the organization’s next-largest expense, followed by animal food and the many other supplies required to maintain the shelter.

Even a healthy puppy can cost the organization approximately $250 by the time it receives food, vaccinations, routine medical care and other services needed before adoption.

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Walker said UCAPS receives approximately 99 percent of its support through donations. The organization also receives some county funding, seeks grants and serves as a United Way partner.

However, she said those sources do not come close to paying the organization’s complete operating costs.

UCAPS also distributes free pet food to residents who are struggling to feed their animals. Walker said between 30 and 40 people may visit the organization’s porch in a single day to receive small bags of dog food.

That service can help pets remain with their owners rather than being surrendered because a family cannot afford food. However, it also creates another daily task for UCAPS volunteers, who must separate large quantities of food into smaller bags.

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Volunteers Needed for Jobs Large and Small

Walker said residents do not need special training to help UCAPS. Volunteers are needed for tasks ranging from transporting animals to veterinary appointments to unfolding newspapers used inside the facility.

Other volunteer needs include preparing bags of pet food, washing dishes, doing laundry, sweeping floors, helping during fundraisers, mowing the lawn and caring for flower beds.

“There are constantly things that we need help with,” Walker said.

She acknowledged that visiting an animal shelter can be emotionally difficult, particularly for people who are distressed by seeing large numbers of animals without permanent homes.

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However, Walker said that lack of help is one of the reasons UCAPS has been forced to suspend intakes.

“It’s hard to walk through these doors,” she said. “It hurts your heart, but we’re suffering. We simply don’t have enough help.”

Residents may also assist by fostering animals, which creates temporary room in UCAPS facilities while an animal waits for adoption.

Volunteer and foster applications are available through the organization’s website. Residents may also contact UCAPS through either the UCAPS Adoption Center Facebook page or the Union County Animal Protection Society Facebook page.

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UCAPS Asks for Patience

Walker asked residents to contact UCAPS before picking up a stray animal and bringing it to the shelter.

While residents may be trying to help an animal they find along the road, Walker said UCAPS currently cannot guarantee that it will have a place available.

“We can’t take in every animal,” she said. “You can’t see a dog walking down the street, scoop it up and come knocking on our door without calling and speaking to us. We have nowhere to put it.”

Walker asked the community to remain patient with volunteers as they attempt to care for the animals already under their supervision.

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She said UCAPS has dedicated supporters whose donations have kept the organization operating, but the current system cannot continue indefinitely without more volunteers, funding and community action.

Walker said she and other leaders have considered what could happen if UCAPS eventually became unable to continue its current level of service.

“There will come a time that either UCAPS won’t be here at all, or it will be here in a different capacity that takes on even less than what we do right now,” Walker said.

For now, the organization is asking residents to spay and neuter their pets, foster or adopt when possible, volunteer their time and provide financial support.

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Those interested in helping can visit ucapsshelter.org or contact the organization through its Facebook pages.

EL DORADO, AR – Jai D. of Barton Junior High School took down 11 other students in the 2026 National Civics Bee, Arkansas State Finals. Jai earned the title as State Champion and will now represent Arkansas at the National Civics Bee Championship in Washington, D.C.

The National Civics Bee® is an annual competition that inspires young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. It encourages students to participate in a nonpartisan initiative to enhance civic literacy, skills, and participation. The National Civics Bee is open to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders in participating states. While details about the National Competition are still being sorted, last year’s competition featured students from 39 different states.

South Arkansas Now congratulates Jai on the amazing feat and will have more information as it becomes available.

EL DORADO, Ark. — Families looking for productive ways to keep their children active this summer may not have to travel far. At HealthWorks Fitness Center in El Dorado, a growing swim program is helping children build confidence, stay active and learn skills that could one day save their lives.

HealthWorks offers private and group swim lessons designed to help children of different ages and ability levels become more comfortable in and around the water.

The program’s primary goal is not simply teaching children how to swim laps. Instructors also help students learn how to remain calm, control their breathing, float and move toward the side of a pool if they unexpectedly enter the water alone.

Swim coach Diego Valero said introducing children to basic water-survival skills at an early age can help them respond more effectively during an emergency. As children become more familiar with the water, they can replace panic with practical skills and greater confidence.

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Those lessons are particularly important during the summer months, when families spend more time around swimming pools, lakes, rivers and other bodies of water.

Swimming also provides benefits beyond water safety. Regular lessons can help children develop coordination, endurance and strength while giving them a positive outlet for their energy.

The program offers a local answer to the familiar complaint that there is nothing for children to do in the community. By taking a closer look at programs already available in South Arkansas, families may discover activities that are entertaining, educational and beneficial long after summer ends.

Lessons for Different Ages and Skill Levels

HealthWorks Swim School uses the American Red Cross Water Safety and Learn-to-Swim programs. Its instructors are certified American Red Cross lifeguards and water-safety instructors.

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Group lessons are limited to six students per instructor, allowing children to receive more individualized guidance while still learning alongside other swimmers.

The program offers lessons for children beginning at six months old.

Its Diaper Dippers program introduces children between six months and 3 years old to the water with a parent or guardian present. Songs, toys and guided activities are used to help young children become comfortable while parents receive information about water safety.

Older children can advance through five Learn-to-Swim levels:

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• Level 1 introduces basic water skills and is recommended for children who are not yet comfortable putting their heads underwater.
• Level 2 focuses on fundamental aquatic skills such as floating and gliding.
• Level 3 introduces stroke development and longer swimming movements.
• Level 4 works on stroke improvement, treading water and swimming greater distances.
• Level 5 helps experienced swimmers refine six swimming strokes and learn flip turns.

Children progress at their own pace, with instructors building upon each swimmer’s comfort level and existing skills.

Free assessment tests are available before group sessions to help determine the safest and most appropriate placement for each child.

From First Lessons to Competitive Swimming

Children who develop stronger swimming skills may also have the opportunity to continue through the Southern Arkansas Swim Club’s Thunder Turtles summer league team.

The summer league practices at HealthWorks on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Separate practice periods are offered for beginner-focused and advanced swimmers.

Participants must be able to swim 25 yards without assistance before joining the summer league team.

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The club provides young swimmers with opportunities to practice regularly, participate in meets and develop their skills in a team environment. The 2026 schedule includes competitions in El Dorado, Monticello and Arkadelphia, along with the Junior Olympic Games in Des Moines, Iowa.

Whether a child is entering the water for the first time or preparing for competition, the programs provide opportunities to build discipline, friendships and confidence.

How Families Can Begin

Families interested in HealthWorks Swim School can visit the front desk at HealthWorks Fitness Center, located at 304 N. Madison Avenue in El Dorado, and request an enrollment form.

The enrollment form includes options for private lessons and group sessions. Parents can also review program information, lesson procedures and answers to frequently asked questions before registering.

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For questions about HealthWorks Swim School, families may contact the aquatics department at 870-862-5442, extension 13.

Questions about the Southern Arkansas Swim Club may be directed to Diego Valero at 870-918-2238 or [email protected].

For South Arkansas families searching for something worthwhile for their children to do, the program demonstrates that local opportunities are available. Sometimes, families simply have to look a little closer beneath the surface.

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EL DORADO, Ark. — Families across South Arkansas are invited to attend the Back 2 School Bash 2026, a free community event combining family entertainment with educational opportunities ahead of the new school year.

The event will be held July 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Douglas Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, located at 969 Smackover Highway in El Dorado. Registration will begin at 4:15 p.m.

The Back 2 School Bash will feature waterslides, bouncy houses, amusement rides, motorcycle clubs and other activities for children of all ages. Colleges and additional educational organizations are also expected to participate, giving families an opportunity to connect with helpful information and resources.

Admission is free and the event is open to the entire community.

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Attendees will also be able to enjoy free food and refreshments, including snow cones, cotton candy and popcorn. Music will be provided by DJ P “Flann,” with prizes and giveaways planned throughout the evening.

The event flyer also lists appearances and activities featuring Hamilton’s Farm and the national champion EHSS cheerleaders.

Organizers hope the celebration will provide children and families with an enjoyable evening while helping students become excited and prepared for the upcoming school year.

For additional information, contact Nikki Lee McCoy at 870-814-2876. The event flyer also lists Jamie Davis at 870-918-5096 as a contact.

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EL DORADO — Residents needing help with their electric bills will have an opportunity to meet directly with Entergy representatives and assistance program officials during a special customer care event next month.

Entergy Arkansas and the Central Arkansas Development Council (CADC) will host a Customer Care Pop-Up on Wednesday, July 8, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the lobby of the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium, located at 100 W. 8th St.

The event is designed to help customers better understand their electric bills, learn about energy-saving programs, and explore resources available through Entergy. Representatives will also be available to assist eligible residents with applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, commonly known as LIHEAP.

LIHEAP provides financial assistance to qualifying households struggling with energy costs and can help reduce the burden of high utility bills, particularly during periods of extreme weather.

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Officials encourage anyone planning to apply for assistance to bring several required documents, including a valid ID or driver’s license, a Social Security card or Social Security number, proof of all household income, copies of recent electric bills, and a lease agreement if they live in subsidized housing or if utilities are included in their rent.

Community leaders say the event offers a convenient opportunity for residents to receive one-on-one assistance, ask questions about their accounts, and learn about programs that may help lower energy expenses.

The event is free and open to residents who live in counties served by the Central Arkansas Development Council.

Residents seeking additional information are encouraged to attend the event and bring all required documentation to ensure assistance applications can be processed efficiently.

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