News
Hogskin Holiday Festival Jam Packed With Weekend Activities

HAMPTON – The 2025 Hogskin Holidays Festival will be in full swing starting Thursday, April 10, offering a weekend packed with hometown charm, family-friendly activities, and lively entertainment in downtown Hampton and surrounding venues.
The fun kicks off Thursday with the Piggy Bank Contest at Generations Bank and the popular Lion’s Club Jail & Bail fundraiser at the Calhoun County Courthouse beginning at 9 a.m. Festival-goers can grab a BBQ lunch at the Fair Barn from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., sponsored by Hogskin Holidays. That evening at 6:30, the laughs will continue during the “Newlywed vs. Oldlywed” game show at the Fair Barn.
On Friday, April 11, the action continues with a Health Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Courthouse Square. The streets of Hampton will come alive at 2 p.m. with the annual Hogskin Parade, followed by the opening of the carnival at the fairgrounds. The evening closes with one of the most anticipated events of the weekend — the Calco Rodeo at 7:30 p.m. in the Hogskin Arena.
Saturday, April 12, brings a full day of activities for all ages. The day begins at 9 a.m. with the Horseshoe Tournament at the fairgrounds and the Little Miss Pigtails pageant at the Fair Barn. Simultaneously, the classic Car Show and Marble Run will take place at Courthouse Square. Festival staples like the Log Loading contest at the County Shop and the Baggo Tournament at the fairgrounds start at 10:30 a.m., with the carnival continuing throughout the day.
Live entertainment on the “Hammin’ It Up” stage will run from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring performances by Lucas Vines and Brody McKinney. Visitors can also enjoy an array of all-day attractions at the fairgrounds, including the Hogskin BBQ Cook-off, food vendors, arts and crafts, class reunions, an exotic petting zoo, an agri-puppets show, a rock wall, and more.
The weekend will wrap up Saturday evening with another round of the Calco Rodeo at 7:30 p.m. in the Hogskin Arena.
With activities ranging from rodeos and pageants to BBQ cook-offs and carnival rides, Hogskin Holidays continues its tradition of celebrating Calhoun County with something for everyone.
News
Grand Opening Scheduled For 7Brew Coffee

EL DORADO – The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony for the city’s newest coffee destination, 7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee, on Wednesday, May 8, 2025, at 10 a.m. The event will take place at the new location at 2100 N. West Avenue and is open to the public.
Founded in Rogers, Arkansas, in 2017, 7 Brew has quickly become one of the fastest-growing drive-thru coffee chains in the nation. Known for its energetic service and expansive menu of over 20,000 customizable drink combinations, 7 Brew offers a unique coffee experience designed for speed, friendliness, and flavor.
The company was launched with a mission to “cultivate kindness” through both customer service and community involvement. With locations now spread across multiple states, 7 Brew continues to grow through a combination of franchising and corporate stores, all built around its signature double-lane drive-thru model.
The grand opening will feature a formal ribbon cutting, and local officials and community members are encouraged to attend and support the launch. The event will highlight 7 Brew’s arrival as part of El Dorado’s ongoing commercial growth.
For more information on the event, contact the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce.
News
El Dorado Schools Conducting Needs Assessment Survey

EL DORADO — The El Dorado School District is asking parents, students, and community members to participate in a Comprehensive Needs Assessment Survey as part of an effort to shape the future of local education.
The survey is designed to gather feedback on the district’s strengths, priorities, and areas for improvement. Responses will help inform decisions on programs, resources, and planning for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.
District officials say the input collected from the community will be vital in identifying key areas for academic and operational growth. The survey is open now and will remain available through Friday, May 9, 2025.
“We want to ensure every voice is heard,” the district shared in a public message. “Your feedback plays an essential role in helping us improve and build a stronger educational environment for all students.”
The survey is available online and can be accessed by clicking here.
Community members are encouraged to complete the survey as soon as possible to ensure their voices are included in the district’s planning process.
News
Clean Harbors To Accept Hazardous Household Waste
News
South Arkansas Companies, Labor Officials To Host Safety Conference Next Week

EL DORADO – The 2025 El Dorado Safety Conference will be held Thursday, April 24, at South Arkansas Community College’s East Campus, bringing together safety professionals, employees, and business leaders for a full day of training focused on reducing workplace injuries and illnesses.
Organized by the South Arkansas Safety Advisory Group in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing and the U.S. Department of Labor, the conference aims to enhance workplace hazard recognition and promote a stronger culture of safety across industries.
Registration opens at 7:15 a.m., with the conference officially beginning at 7:45 a.m. Speakers at the opening session will include Canfor representative Kelly Olivier, El Dorado Mayor Paul Choate, and Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing Secretary Daryl Bassett.
Sessions throughout the day will include presentations on key workplace safety topics, including hazard recognition, effective communication between management and employees, mental health in the workplace, and the challenges of handling workplace fatalities. Presenters include experts from Canfor, J.A. Riggs, KScott Consults, L’Oreal, and the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing.
“This event is not only for hourly workers but also for managers and administrators who play a role in safety practices,” organizers noted. “It’s especially relevant for nursing home professionals seeking continuing education.”
The registration fee is $25 for both in-person and Zoom attendees, covering lunch and materials. Exhibitors can register for $30. A $10 late fee will be applied to registrations submitted after April 18. Attendees are encouraged to register early, either by mail or online through the Arkansas Department of Labor’s website.
The conference will conclude at 2:35 p.m. with a prize drawing and adjournment.
For more information, contact Nita Matlock at the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, OSHA Consultation Section, at (501) 682-9092 or by email at nita.matlock@arkansas.gov.
News
UAMS to host parent session on vaping, tobacco use
-
News2 months ago
El Dorado man killed in single vehicle crash
-
Regional News2 months ago
Radio DJ known as “Roy D. Mercer” passes away Friday
-
Obituaries3 weeks ago
Parker Hammett, Addis LA
-
Sports3 months ago
Hampton Bulldogs hire new head football coach
-
News4 months ago
Junction City woman killed in Nevada County accident
-
News2 months ago
Robin J. Carroll, Former Prosecutor and Judge Passes at Age 54
-
News1 month ago
EL DORADO POLICE DEPARTMENT RELEASES REPORT ON DEATH OF 19 YR OLD
-
News1 month ago
El Dorado Manufacturer Named Arkansas Business of the Year