EL DORADO – The El Dorado WINS one-cent sales tax proposal has been approved by the city’s voters. There are still four absentee ballots to be counted, they are at the Union County Courthouse. However, those four votes will not change the outcome of the election. Unofficial results are 572 FOR and 187 AGAINST, showing a 75% vote in favor of the new sales tax. 

While it is a “new” sales tax, the previous one-cent tax, called El Dorado WORKS, is set to expire later this year and the new El Dorado WINS tax will replace it. Under the proposal, funds would be allocated as follows:

• 25% to Parks & Recreation to improve and expand public parks and event spaces
• 20% to Public Works for upgrades to streets, water systems, and sewer lines
• 20% to Public Safety for police and fire service enhancements
• 20% to Future Development to support long-term city planning
• 10% to Economic Development to attract businesses and stimulate growth
• 5% to South Arkansas College to maintain and operate the El Dorado Conference Center

Immediately following the results, El Dorado Mayor Paul Choate read a prepared statement which was streamed live at SouthArkansasNow.com’s Facebook page. For his full statement, please see our video. In his statement, he said, “First, I would like to thank all voters who turned out for this election, those who supported the tax and those who didn’t.” The Mayor also gave special thanks to Chris Hegi, the recently retired Chief Executive Officer of First Financial Bank, who helped shape the El Dorado WINS committee. The Mayor also said once the results of the election were certified, the process will begin of appointing a new public facilities board which will review project proposals. Mayor Choate said he will be asking a group of local citizens to review the applications for those who wish to serve on the new board. “This ensures a broad community voice in selecting the individuals who will help shape how these dollars are invested in our city.” He concluded his statement by thanking the voters for their confidence in investing in the City’s shared future.

Should current trends hold over the life of the El Dorado WINS tenure, the city can expect to collect approximately $50,000,000 during the 10 years the tax is in place. 

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EL DORADO — Voters within the city limits of El Dorado are casting ballots today in a special election that will decide the fate of El Dorado WINS, a proposed funding initiative aimed at strengthening public services, infrastructure, and community development.

Polls are open today, Tuesday, May 13, 2025, and only registered voters residing inside the El Dorado city limits are eligible to vote. The outcome of the election will determine whether a new revenue stream will be adopted and distributed across six key areas of investment.

Under the proposal, funds would be allocated as follows:

• 25% to Parks & Recreation to improve and expand public parks and event spaces

• 20% to Public Works for upgrades to streets, water systems, and sewer lines

• 20% to Public Safety for police and fire service enhancements

• 20% to Future Development to support long-term city planning

• 10% to Economic Development to attract businesses and stimulate growth

• 5% to South Arkansas College to maintain and operate the El Dorado Conference Center

In recent weeks, city leaders and community advocates have held town hall meetings and public forums to provide information and gather feedback on the proposal. Discussions also touched on the city’s long-term vision, particularly around recreational improvements and infrastructure needs.

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Officials are urging residents to participate in shaping the future of El Dorado. The WINS initiative, they say, represents a targeted investment in the city’s growth, safety, and livability.

Voters who did not participate during the early voting period at the Union County Courthouse have until polls close today to make their voices heard.

EL DORADO — The El Dorado School District, in collaboration with Ideal Construction Company and CADM Architecture, will officially break ground on a new Intermediate School during a ceremony on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. The event will take place at 501 North Timberlane Drive in El Dorado.

The groundbreaking marks a major milestone in the district’s continued efforts to enhance educational facilities and provide state-of-the-art learning environments for students. School officials, project partners, and community leaders are expected to be in attendance to celebrate the beginning of construction on the long-anticipated campus.

“This is an exciting day for El Dorado,” said district leaders. “Our new Intermediate School will not only offer modern amenities and improved learning spaces but also reflect our commitment to academic excellence and community growth.”

The public and local media are encouraged to attend and cover the event, which will feature remarks from key stakeholders, a ceremonial shovel dig, and architectural renderings of the new facility.

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The project is being led by Ideal Construction Company, with architectural design by CADM Architecture, Inc.

For more information, contact the El Dorado School District at (870) 864-5006.

EL DORADO — Longtime legal professional Tonya Allen has officially announced her candidacy for Circuit Clerk of the Thirteenth Judicial District in Union County, pledging to bring professionalism, modernization, and community-centered service to the office.

A lifelong resident of Union County and graduate of Parkers Chapel High School, Allen brings more than 35 years of experience working as a secretary and paralegal for local attorneys. Her decades in the legal field have provided her with firsthand insight into the critical role the Circuit Clerk plays in the community.

“After much heartfelt reflection and encouragement from the people of Union County, I am honored to announce my candidacy,” Allen said in a campaign statement. “I pledge to work tirelessly to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and ethics you require from this office.”

Allen emphasized the importance of both technological advancement and personal service in her vision for the Clerk’s office. She plans to pursue modernization of record-keeping systems to increase efficiency and accessibility, while maintaining a welcoming environment for the public.

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“My vision is to advance the development of the Circuit Clerk’s office into a model of efficiency and accessibility,” she said. “At the same time, I believe that providing friendly and positive personal service to the public is vitally important.”

Framing her campaign as a commitment to public trust, Allen said she is dedicated to serving with integrity and transparency.

“All of us living and working in Union County deserve a candidate who will look out for our community and drive progress in the Circuit Clerk’s office,” she said. “I look forward to the opportunity to share my vision and to earn the trust of its voters.”

Allen will be meeting with residents across Union County in the months ahead as she begins her campaign.

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CAMDEN — Camden Fairview High School will honor the Class of 2025 with a graduation ceremony on Friday, May 16, at 8:00 p.m. in Cardinal Stadium. Families, friends, and community members are invited to attend the event and celebrate the achievements of this year’s senior class.

The graduation caps off a busy spring filled with milestone moments for seniors. The school hosted its College and Career Signing Day on April 21, where students formally committed to postsecondary education, military service, or entering the workforce. On May 3, students gathered for prom in the high school commons, with a walk-in event beginning at 6:00 p.m.

The week leading into graduation featured two more senior traditions. On May 11, students participated in the Baccalaureate ceremony, followed by the annual Senior Awards Assembly on May 12, both held in the school gymnasium.

Camden Fairview officials said Friday night’s ceremony will recognize not only academic accomplishments but also the resilience and character of the graduating class.

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Graduates are encouraged to arrive early, and attendees are advised to bring seating and plan for evening weather conditions. For more information, contact Camden Fairview High School.