An Organization in Need: UCAPS Suspends Intakes as Animals, Costs and Workload Mount

EL DORADO, Ark. — The Union County Animal Protection Society has temporarily stopped accepting animals after reaching what volunteers describe as the limits of its available space, staffing and resources.

UCAPS volunteer Terra Walker said the organization is caring for more than 400 animals through its adoption center, its shelter on Sunset Road and a network of foster homes. With kennels and other available areas occupied, she said the organization has nowhere to safely place additional animals.

“Unfortunately, we’ve had to close our intakes temporarily because we are simply out of space, out of time and out of the capacity to take on any more animals,” Walker said.

The closure comes as Union County continues to face a large number of stray and unwanted dogs and cats. Walker said one of the main causes is the number of animals in the community that have not been spayed or neutered.

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She said programs are available to help residents afford those procedures, but many pet owners are not taking advantage of them. The result, she said, is a continuing cycle of unwanted litters.

“We have lots and lots of unwanted litters of puppies and kittens that people think they can find homes for,” Walker said. “Many give away free kittens and free puppies, and then that continues the problem.”

Walker said reducing the number of unwanted animals will require residents to better understand the scope of the issue and take greater responsibility for preventing new litters.

Concerns About Local Animal Control

Walker also raised concerns about the current level of animal-control coverage available in the area.

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Based on the number of animals handled by UCAPS and the city, Walker said she does not believe the community has an animal-control program large enough to meet its needs. She said evening and weekend coverage is limited and claimed that law enforcement officers sometimes contact UCAPS because they cannot access the city pound after regular hours.

Walker also said she would like to see a closer working relationship between UCAPS and local animal-control services.

She pointed to other Arkansas communities where animal-control departments and rescue organizations work together to place adoptable animals, address behavioral concerns and manage overcrowding.

“We’ve got to make sustaining changes as a community and as an organization,” Walker said. “We have got to start making changes in the way that we do things.”

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More Than 400 Animals in Care

UCAPS currently operates with five paid employees, according to Walker. She said those employees earn only slightly more than minimum wage, while administrative work is handled by volunteers.

With limited staff and volunteers, the organization is responsible for feeding, cleaning, transporting and arranging medical care for more than 400 animals each day.

Walker said the animals housed at the adoption center represent only part of the organization’s total population. UCAPS also continues to care for animals at its Sunset Road location and through volunteers who open their homes as fosters.

She said the number of animals has placed considerable pressure on a staff that was already operating with few people.

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“We’re as lean as you get,” Walker said. “There are not any paid administrative people. All of us are volunteers.”

Annual Costs Approach Half a Million Dollars

Walker estimated that it costs between $450,000 and $500,000 each year to operate UCAPS.

Veterinary expenses alone total approximately $180,000 annually, she said. Payroll is the organization’s next-largest expense, followed by animal food and the many other supplies required to maintain the shelter.

Even a healthy puppy can cost the organization approximately $250 by the time it receives food, vaccinations, routine medical care and other services needed before adoption.

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Walker said UCAPS receives approximately 99 percent of its support through donations. The organization also receives some county funding, seeks grants and serves as a United Way partner.

However, she said those sources do not come close to paying the organization’s complete operating costs.

UCAPS also distributes free pet food to residents who are struggling to feed their animals. Walker said between 30 and 40 people may visit the organization’s porch in a single day to receive small bags of dog food.

That service can help pets remain with their owners rather than being surrendered because a family cannot afford food. However, it also creates another daily task for UCAPS volunteers, who must separate large quantities of food into smaller bags.

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Volunteers Needed for Jobs Large and Small

Walker said residents do not need special training to help UCAPS. Volunteers are needed for tasks ranging from transporting animals to veterinary appointments to unfolding newspapers used inside the facility.

Other volunteer needs include preparing bags of pet food, washing dishes, doing laundry, sweeping floors, helping during fundraisers, mowing the lawn and caring for flower beds.

“There are constantly things that we need help with,” Walker said.

She acknowledged that visiting an animal shelter can be emotionally difficult, particularly for people who are distressed by seeing large numbers of animals without permanent homes.

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However, Walker said that lack of help is one of the reasons UCAPS has been forced to suspend intakes.

“It’s hard to walk through these doors,” she said. “It hurts your heart, but we’re suffering. We simply don’t have enough help.”

Residents may also assist by fostering animals, which creates temporary room in UCAPS facilities while an animal waits for adoption.

Volunteer and foster applications are available through the organization’s website. Residents may also contact UCAPS through either the UCAPS Adoption Center Facebook page or the Union County Animal Protection Society Facebook page.

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UCAPS Asks for Patience

Walker asked residents to contact UCAPS before picking up a stray animal and bringing it to the shelter.

While residents may be trying to help an animal they find along the road, Walker said UCAPS currently cannot guarantee that it will have a place available.

“We can’t take in every animal,” she said. “You can’t see a dog walking down the street, scoop it up and come knocking on our door without calling and speaking to us. We have nowhere to put it.”

Walker asked the community to remain patient with volunteers as they attempt to care for the animals already under their supervision.

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She said UCAPS has dedicated supporters whose donations have kept the organization operating, but the current system cannot continue indefinitely without more volunteers, funding and community action.

Walker said she and other leaders have considered what could happen if UCAPS eventually became unable to continue its current level of service.

“There will come a time that either UCAPS won’t be here at all, or it will be here in a different capacity that takes on even less than what we do right now,” Walker said.

For now, the organization is asking residents to spay and neuter their pets, foster or adopt when possible, volunteer their time and provide financial support.

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Those interested in helping can visit ucapsshelter.org or contact the organization through its Facebook pages.

EL DORADO, Ark. — Families looking for productive ways to keep their children active this summer may not have to travel far. At HealthWorks Fitness Center in El Dorado, a growing swim program is helping children build confidence, stay active and learn skills that could one day save their lives.

HealthWorks offers private and group swim lessons designed to help children of different ages and ability levels become more comfortable in and around the water.

The program’s primary goal is not simply teaching children how to swim laps. Instructors also help students learn how to remain calm, control their breathing, float and move toward the side of a pool if they unexpectedly enter the water alone.

Swim coach Diego Valero said introducing children to basic water-survival skills at an early age can help them respond more effectively during an emergency. As children become more familiar with the water, they can replace panic with practical skills and greater confidence.

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Those lessons are particularly important during the summer months, when families spend more time around swimming pools, lakes, rivers and other bodies of water.

Swimming also provides benefits beyond water safety. Regular lessons can help children develop coordination, endurance and strength while giving them a positive outlet for their energy.

The program offers a local answer to the familiar complaint that there is nothing for children to do in the community. By taking a closer look at programs already available in South Arkansas, families may discover activities that are entertaining, educational and beneficial long after summer ends.

Lessons for Different Ages and Skill Levels

HealthWorks Swim School uses the American Red Cross Water Safety and Learn-to-Swim programs. Its instructors are certified American Red Cross lifeguards and water-safety instructors.

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Group lessons are limited to six students per instructor, allowing children to receive more individualized guidance while still learning alongside other swimmers.

The program offers lessons for children beginning at six months old.

Its Diaper Dippers program introduces children between six months and 3 years old to the water with a parent or guardian present. Songs, toys and guided activities are used to help young children become comfortable while parents receive information about water safety.

Older children can advance through five Learn-to-Swim levels:

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• Level 1 introduces basic water skills and is recommended for children who are not yet comfortable putting their heads underwater.
• Level 2 focuses on fundamental aquatic skills such as floating and gliding.
• Level 3 introduces stroke development and longer swimming movements.
• Level 4 works on stroke improvement, treading water and swimming greater distances.
• Level 5 helps experienced swimmers refine six swimming strokes and learn flip turns.

Children progress at their own pace, with instructors building upon each swimmer’s comfort level and existing skills.

Free assessment tests are available before group sessions to help determine the safest and most appropriate placement for each child.

From First Lessons to Competitive Swimming

Children who develop stronger swimming skills may also have the opportunity to continue through the Southern Arkansas Swim Club’s Thunder Turtles summer league team.

The summer league practices at HealthWorks on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Separate practice periods are offered for beginner-focused and advanced swimmers.

Participants must be able to swim 25 yards without assistance before joining the summer league team.

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The club provides young swimmers with opportunities to practice regularly, participate in meets and develop their skills in a team environment. The 2026 schedule includes competitions in El Dorado, Monticello and Arkadelphia, along with the Junior Olympic Games in Des Moines, Iowa.

Whether a child is entering the water for the first time or preparing for competition, the programs provide opportunities to build discipline, friendships and confidence.

How Families Can Begin

Families interested in HealthWorks Swim School can visit the front desk at HealthWorks Fitness Center, located at 304 N. Madison Avenue in El Dorado, and request an enrollment form.

The enrollment form includes options for private lessons and group sessions. Parents can also review program information, lesson procedures and answers to frequently asked questions before registering.

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For questions about HealthWorks Swim School, families may contact the aquatics department at 870-862-5442, extension 13.

Questions about the Southern Arkansas Swim Club may be directed to Diego Valero at 870-918-2238 or [email protected].

For South Arkansas families searching for something worthwhile for their children to do, the program demonstrates that local opportunities are available. Sometimes, families simply have to look a little closer beneath the surface.

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El Dorado, Ark. — What began as one mother’s search for an affordable way to keep six children safe, fed and learning during summer break has grown into a free camp serving families across the community.

Stephanie Miller-Owens founded the YAS Summer Camp after realizing that many parents faced the same summer dilemma she did.

“A few years ago, I had six small children at home with nothing to do during the summer — at least nothing I could afford for six kiddos,” Miller-Owens said. “Then I noticed so many other parents were having the same issue.”

She said families wanted their children to enjoy summer break without losing the academic progress they had made during the school year. Parents also needed a dependable environment where their children could remain safe, active and properly fed.

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“We didn’t want our babies to lose what they had learned during the school year,” she said. “We wanted them safe and happy, and we wanted to make sure they had healthy meals daily.”

That need inspired Miller-Owens to establish a summer program provided at no cost to participating families.

“I had this bright idea to help these parents, so I started an absolutely free summer camp that combats learning loss, provides meals and safety, all while allowing children to learn and have fun,” she said.

Now entering its fifth year, the YAS Summer Camp continues to focus on academic achievement, safety and prevention. The camp provides breakfast and lunch each day and has expanded its services to include transportation for participating children.

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This year’s camp began June 8 and will continue through July 17.

Miller-Owens credited the program’s growth to a dedicated team and community supporters who share her commitment to serving children.

“I work with an amazing team that shares the same love and passion for educating our babies,” she said. “We are blessed to have great supporters in the community who stepped up to sponsor this program and allowed us to help even more families this year.”

Summer programs such as YAS can be especially important for young people in South Arkansas. During the weeks away from school, children may have fewer opportunities for structured learning, regular meals, supervision and positive social interaction. Free programs help make those resources available to families regardless of their financial circumstances.

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By combining academics with recreation, meals, transportation and prevention education, the camp helps children maintain important skills while giving parents greater peace of mind during the summer months.

Miller-Owens said she remains grateful that the program has continued to grow and reach additional families each year.

“It is our endeavor to continue providing love, safety and education to every child we meet,” she said. “To God be the glory.”

Community members and businesses interested in supporting or sponsoring the YAS Summer Camp are encouraged to contact Miller-Owens for additional information.

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EL DORADO, Ark. — New and expectant parents across South Arkansas are invited to attend a Community Baby and Safety Shower designed to connect families with essential supplies, education and local support services.

The event will take place Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Immanuel Baptist Church, located at 3209 West Hillsboro Street in El Dorado.

The shower is being hosted by TOUCH Coalition, which stands for Tremendous Opportunities for Union County Health, in partnership with Ambetter Health & Wellness, the UAMS Institute for Community Health and the UAMS Family Medicine Clinic.

While supplies last, families attending the event will be able to receive diapers, wipes and baby formula. A free boutique featuring baby clothing and other infant items will also be available.

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Arkansas Children’s Hospital representatives will be on site to provide car-seat safety checks and education. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to bring their child’s car seat to receive guidance on proper installation and use.

Safe-sleep classes will be offered at 10:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Participants who complete one of the classes may receive a portable Pack ’n Play while supplies are available.

More than 30 vendors are expected to participate, offering resources, supplies, educational materials and information about services available to children and families throughout the region.

Organizers say the event is intended to help parents prepare for their new arrival while learning about infant safety, health and community resources in a welcoming environment.

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EL DORADO, Ark. — South Arkansas College sophomore third baseman Kenner Lauterbach has been named an NJCAA Division II Baseball Honorable Mention All-American following a standout season for the Stars.

Lauterbach, a native of Benton, Louisiana, completed his junior-college eligibility after serving as a two-year starter for SouthArk.

During his sophomore campaign, Lauterbach posted a .479 batting average, ranking second nationally among players with at least 100 at-bats.

His performance helped lead SouthArk to a 38-17 record during the season.

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Lauterbach becomes the second athlete in South Arkansas College history to earn NJCAA All-American recognition.

He joins former SouthArk teammate Justin Szymanski, who received the same honorable mention distinction last year after completing his junior-college eligibility with the Stars.

The recognition adds another milestone for the SouthArk baseball program as it continues building its presence on the national junior-college stage.

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