EL DORADO — The El Dorado School District has recognized some of its top educators through its annual Teacher Excellence program, honoring teachers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership and impact in the classroom.

District officials recently announced this year’s semifinalists, finalists and winners across elementary, middle/junior high and high school divisions.

Taking home the top honors for 2026 were Jessica Minor of Northwest Elementary School, Dr. Elizabeth Johnson of Barton Junior High School and Shelly Childers of El Dorado High School.

Minor was named the Elementary Level Teacher Excellence winner after being selected from a talented group of semifinalists that included Rylee Darden of Hugh Goodwin Elementary School, Felice Lamoreux of Yocum Elementary School and Katie King of Retta Brown Elementary School.

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At the middle and junior high level, Dr. Elizabeth Johnson of Barton Junior High School earned top honors. Johnson was recognized alongside fellow semifinalists Jack Russell of Barton Junior High School and Breanna Murphy of Washington Middle School.

Shelly Childers of El Dorado High School was selected as the High School Level Teacher Excellence winner. Childers was among a distinguished group of semifinalists that also included Alyssa Bean, Jamie Lowe and Shanavia Cole, all of El Dorado High School.

Finalists for the district-wide recognition included Darden, Minor, Lamoreux, Johnson, Russell, Lowe, Cole and Childers.

School leaders praised all of the educators recognized through the program, noting the positive impact they make on students and their commitment to academic excellence.

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The Teacher Excellence program highlights outstanding educators throughout the district and celebrates the dedication, innovation and leadership they bring to classrooms every day. District officials said the honorees exemplify the high standards of teaching and student support that continue to shape the success of El Dorado students.

The El Dorado School District congratulated all semifinalists, finalists and winners, thanking them for their service and the lasting difference they make in the lives of students across the district.

EL DORADO — One of El Dorado’s signature downtown celebrations is returning this summer as Boomtown Days takes over the city square on Friday, June 20.

The annual event will run from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will feature live entertainment, local vendors, festival food and family-friendly activities throughout downtown El Dorado.

Organizers are inviting residents and visitors to stroll the square, enjoy the atmosphere and experience the history and charm that make downtown El Dorado a destination for community gatherings and special events.

A full evening of entertainment is planned, beginning with Showdown at Sunset at 5:40 p.m. Line dancing will follow at 6:30 p.m., giving attendees an opportunity to join in the fun before live music from Coyote Pine takes the stage at 7 p.m.

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In addition to the entertainment lineup, visitors can browse vendor booths, enjoy food from local vendors and spend time with family and friends while taking in the sights and sounds of downtown El Dorado.

Boomtown Days has become a popular community tradition, bringing together residents of all ages for an evening celebrating local culture, music and community spirit.

Organizers encourage attendees to arrive early and make plans to spend the evening exploring downtown while enjoying everything the event has to offer.

The event is open to the public and serves as another opportunity to showcase the vibrant atmosphere and ongoing growth of downtown El Dorado.

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EL DORADO — The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce will welcome a new local business to the community this week with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Cove Counseling & Wellness.

The event is scheduled for 4 p.m. Thursday, June 4, at The Cove Counseling & Wellness, located at 214 N. Washington Ave., Suite 611, in downtown El Dorado.

Chamber officials, community leaders, business owners and residents are invited to attend as The Cove celebrates its official opening and introduction to the community.

The Cove Counseling & Wellness provides mental health and wellness services designed to support individuals and families seeking guidance, healing and personal growth. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will offer community members an opportunity to meet the team, learn more about the services available and celebrate the business’s investment in the El Dorado community.

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The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce regularly hosts ribbon-cutting ceremonies to recognize new businesses, expansions and community investments that contribute to local economic growth.

Residents are encouraged to attend and help welcome The Cove Counseling & Wellness to downtown El Dorado.

EL DORADO — Community members are invited to help shape the future of rural health research during an upcoming town hall meeting hosted by UAMS HEART-NET.

The event is scheduled for 9 to 10 a.m. on Monday, June 9, at the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce, located at 111 W. Main St. in downtown El Dorado.

The meeting will feature speaker Dr. Ping-Ching Hsu, an associate professor of Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Organizers say the discussion will focus on the role of research in primary care and the importance of community representation in health studies, particularly in rural areas.

Officials with UAMS HEART-NET hope the event will encourage local residents to share their perspectives and help guide future research efforts that impact their communities.

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According to organizers, participants will have the opportunity to learn more about ongoing research initiatives and how local involvement can help improve healthcare outcomes across rural Arkansas.

Breakfast will be provided, and incentives will be available for participants who attend.

Those seeking additional information may contact Julie Joyce at [email protected].

The event is part of UAMS HEART-NET’s ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships between researchers, healthcare providers and rural communities throughout the state.

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EL DORADO — The South Arkansas Arts Center has announced the cast for its upcoming production of Legally Blonde, bringing together performers from across the region for one of the most popular contemporary musicals.

Leading the cast as Elle Woods will be Zoe Pyle. Parker Thomas has been cast as Emmett Forrest, while Abby Cate will portray Paulette Bonafonté. Other principal cast members include Lisa Claire Milan as Vivienne Kensington, Matthew Power as Warner Huntington III, Jaz VanAssche as Enid Hoopes, Julie Vistaunet as Brooke Wyndham and Greg Oden as Professor Callahan.

Additional featured roles include Callie Blair as Serena, Zy’Rhiyhanna Chambers as Pilar, Meyah Hampton as Margot and Ishq Alam as Padamadan and Nikos.

The production’s supporting cast includes Dustin Adams, Grant Baker, Blake Goff, Zephaniah Valentine, Michael McLeese, Austin Crank, Christine Whan and Chauna Edney, each taking on multiple ensemble and featured roles throughout the show.

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Members of the Delta Nu Ensemble include Becca Pratt, Hannah Faith Davis, Megann McManus, Braelyn Allen, Brianna Cruz and Lily Hicks Langston, along with Rae Tucker and Morgan Chisholm.

Featured dancers for the production are Delilah Evelyn and Raylee Spence.

Based on the hit film and Broadway musical, Legally Blonde follows Elle Woods as she enrolls at Harvard Law School and discovers her own potential while challenging stereotypes and exceeding expectations. The show is known for its energetic musical numbers, colorful characters and empowering message.

The production is sponsored by Murphy USA and is expected to be one of the highlights of SAAC’s summer season. Community members are encouraged to support the cast and enjoy a production showcasing the talent of performers from throughout South Arkansas.

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Performance dates and ticket information will be announced by the South Arkansas Arts Center.