EL DORADO, Ark. – Baptist Health formally welcomed South Arkansas Regional Hospital in El Dorado into its system during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held Monday, June 15. The event was attended by hospital leaders and community dignitaries.

Baptist Health officially assumed hospital operations on Sunday, June 14.

Now operating as Baptist Health Medical Center-El Dorado, the 151-bed facility is the 13th hospital in the Baptist Health system. The new identity was revealed through updated signage during the celebration. The hospital continues to offer extensive inpatient and outpatient care, specializing in cardiology, orthopedics, obstetrics and emergency services with a dedicated team of approximately 400 staff members.

Troy Wells, Baptist Health’s president and CEO, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing a shared commitment to delivering high-quality health care to the residents of El Dorado and the surrounding region.

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“Today marks a historic day for El Dorado and Baptist Health,” Wells said. “By officially dedicating Baptist Health Medical Center-El Dorado, we are fulfilling our promise to secure the long-term stability of care for this vital community and committing our faith-based, Christian healing ministry to the people of South Arkansas.”

Danna Taylor, president of Baptist Health Medical Center-El Dorado, added that joining forces with Baptist Health will enhance the level of care local patients expect.

“This day is a huge milestone for our hospital,” Taylor said. “The road to today has been one of dedication, hard work and collaboration to create a healthier community for the people of South Arkansas. I have no doubt that we will be stronger than ever before, and Baptist Health will strengthen our position as the hub for health care for Union County and surrounding communities.”

The transition follows an acquisition process first announced in March, designed to ensure operational stability and a seamless experience for patients and caregivers.

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EL DORADO — Residents interested in helping shape the future growth and development of El Dorado have an opportunity to serve their community through the city’s Planning & Zoning Commission.

The City of El Dorado is currently accepting applications from individuals interested in serving on the commission, which plays a key role in reviewing development proposals, zoning matters, land use requests, and long-range planning initiatives that impact the community.

City officials say serving on the Planning & Zoning Commission is a meaningful way for residents to become involved in local government and help guide decisions that affect the city’s future.

Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. on July 13, 2026.

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Anyone interested in applying or learning more about the position is encouraged to contact City Clerk Heather McVay. Applications and additional information are available by calling 870-881-4877 or 870-814-9179, or by emailing [email protected].

The City of El Dorado encourages qualified residents who are passionate about their community and interested in civic service to apply before the deadline.

FAYETTEVILLE – An El Dorado native has been selected to serve as the City of Fayetteville’s first full-time homelessness strategy coordinator, a newly created position aimed at addressing homelessness and expanding housing opportunities for vulnerable residents.

Gage Reed, who most recently managed day services at 7 Hills Homeless Center, has been hired by the city to lead homelessness response efforts under the Department of Housing and Community Services. The position marks the first time the city has dedicated a full-time employee specifically to homelessness services.

Reed joins the department overseen by Chief Housing Officer Marlee Stark. The department was recently reorganized and renamed from the Community Resources Division as part of the city’s broader efforts to address housing and community development needs.

In his new role, Reed will coordinate the city’s extreme weather response efforts for individuals experiencing homelessness and work to expand access to shelter and housing resources. He will also focus on strengthening partnerships with local landlords participating in the city’s HEARTH permanent supportive housing program and advancing initiatives designed to improve housing stability and economic opportunities for residents facing homelessness.

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According to the city, Reed brings extensive experience working directly with individuals experiencing homelessness. During his time at 7 Hills Homeless Center, he coordinated services with regional providers, volunteers, first responders, and community partners to assist those in need.

Before joining 7 Hills, Reed worked in mortgage lending and property management, giving him additional experience in housing-related fields. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Arkansas.

City officials say Reed’s combination of local roots, housing experience, and direct service work make him well-positioned to help lead the city’s efforts to address homelessness and connect residents with the resources they need.

Reed began his new position on Monday and will earn an annual salary of $50,003.

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EL DORADO— The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed a new addition to the local business community with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Cove Counseling and Wellness Center.

Chamber representatives, community members, and supporters gathered to celebrate the opening of the center and recognize its commitment to providing counseling and wellness services to residents throughout the area.

The Chamber congratulated The Cove Counseling and Wellness Center on its opening and expressed its support for the organization’s efforts to serve individuals and families in the community.

Mental health and wellness services continue to be an important resource for many residents, and community leaders say the addition of The Cove Counseling and Wellness Center expands access to support and care in El Dorado and Union County.

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The center is now open and accepting appointments.

Individuals interested in learning more about available services or scheduling an appointment can contact The Cove Counseling and Wellness Center at 501-566-4803.

The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce encourages residents to support local businesses and organizations that contribute to the health, well-being, and quality of life of the community.

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EL DORADO – Residents are being urged to stay alert after reports surfaced of scammers posing as federal agents and claiming to work through a local sheriff’s office in an effort to steal money from victims.

According to the warning, callers are contacting individuals and falsely claiming they owe bonds, fines, or other payments that must be made immediately using prepaid gift cards or similar methods.

Law enforcement officials stress that these claims are fraudulent and do not reflect how legitimate law enforcement agencies operate.

Officials noted that even if federal agents were working alongside a sheriff’s office, which is not the case in these reports, any official business would never be handled through phone calls demanding payment by prepaid cards.

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Authorities are encouraging residents to be especially vigilant and to share the warning with family members, friends, and elderly individuals who may be more vulnerable to scams.

Law enforcement says many of these schemes originate from outside the United States, making it extremely difficult to identify suspects or recover stolen funds once money has been sent.

Officials advise residents to be suspicious of anyone who contacts them unexpectedly and pressures them to send money, gift cards, prepaid cards, or personal financial information. Legitimate government agencies do not demand immediate payment over the phone or require payment through gift cards.

Anyone who receives a suspicious call is encouraged to hang up and contact their local law enforcement agency directly using a verified phone number.

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Authorities say the best defense against these scams is awareness, caution, and a healthy dose of skepticism whenever an unsolicited caller demands money or personal information.