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Benton legislator to run for Secretary of State

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BENTON – State Sen. Kim Hammer, a Republican from Benton, announced on Monday, January 6, that he plans to run for Arkansas Secretary of State in 2026. Hammer has represented District 16 in the State Senate since 2019 and previously served in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 2010 to 2018.

Hammer expressed his enthusiasm for continuing to serve the people of Arkansas, saying, “Serving as a legislator has been one of the greatest joys of my life. I would be honored to serve Arkansans as their Secretary of State. If elected, I will leverage my legislative experience and collaborate with both the legislative and executive branches to benefit all Arkansans.”

The Secretary of State’s office is responsible for overseeing state elections, maintaining the grounds and facilities of the Arkansas State Capitol, and managing business and commercial services, including processing corporate filings, notary public certifications, and trademarks.

Following the appointment of Cole Jester by Gov. Sarah Sanders to complete the term of Secretary of State held by John Thurston, who is now serving as Treasurer, Jester is not eligible to run in 2026. As of now, no other candidates have declared their intentions to run for the position.

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Throughout his tenure in the legislature, Hammer has been an advocate for election reforms. He emphasized that, as Secretary of State, he would continue working closely with county clerks and election commissioners statewide to ensure Arkansas elections remain secure and trustworthy. He also pointed to his strong pro-business record, promising to reduce government bureaucracy and streamline processes for Arkansas residents and businesses.

“I am committed to preserving the integrity and beauty of Arkansas’ Capitol grounds,” Hammer stated, referring to the state’s iconic Capitol grounds, which he considers one of the most distinguished in the nation.

Currently, Hammer represents Senate District 16, which covers parts of Saline and southwestern Pulaski counties. He chairs the Senate Efficiency Committee and serves on several other key legislative committees, including Revenue and Taxation, State Agencies and Governmental Affairs, Joint Retirement and Social Security, Joint Budget, Legislative Council, Legislative Joint Auditing, and Legislative Facilities.

Hammer, who is also a pastor at Saline Missionary Baptist Church in Tull, has been involved in ministry since 1978. He and his wife, Karen, have three children: two sons and a daughter.

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Wildcat Wellness Center Announces Summer Schedule

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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.

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City of Camden Offering Pool Passes At Carnes Park

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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.

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For more information or to purchase your pass, visit Camden City Hall or Carnes Park Pool during regular hours.

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Monroe Attorney Leads Purchase Of Four Regional Radio Stations

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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.

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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.

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El Dorado Chamber Unveils Summer Bingo Card

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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.”

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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.

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Pleasant Grove Road Reopens Following Bridge Repairs

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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.

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Drivers are encouraged to resume normal travel patterns.

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