News

Panel Requests ½ Cent Sales Tax to Fund Hospital

Published

7 months ago

November 20, 2025

Aldermen Hurst, Weinischke and Williamson listen as South Arkansas Regional Hospital President Danna Wagnon-Taylor answersa question posed by Ward 4 Alderman Dianne Hammond.

EL DORADO – The El Dorado City Council met in a special called session to hear from a panel of local leaders, discussing the sustainability of South Arkansas Regional Hospital. Dr. Steve Smart began the meeting by telling the Council that the panel would discuss the problems facing the hospital and would also offer a long term solution. He was joined by Steve Cameron, Chairman of the Board for South Arkansas Regional Hospital; Danna Wagnon-Taylor, President of South Arkansas Regional Hospital; Steven Jones, President & CEO of the El Dorado / Union County Chamber of Commerce; Britney Snell, CEO of the SHARE Foundation and CFO of South Arkansas Regional Hospital; Matthew Shepherd, State Representative District 97; and Chris Hegi, Board of Directors for the SHARE Foundation and South Arkansas Regional Hospital.

Dr. Steve Smart is spearheading the campaign for South Arkansas Regional Hospital

How We Got Here

Steve Cameron began by reminding the Council how South Arkansas Regional Hospital came into existence. “The hospital was formed by the three Non-Profits, The SHARE Foundation, the Murphy USA Foundation, and the Murphy Family Foundation.” Cameron said with the help of the State of Arkansas, they accomplished their first goal and that was to acquire the hospital from, “an out-of-state, for profit entity.”

“Our Reimbursement Does Not Cover The Cost of Operations!”

Dana Wagnon-Taylor said, “I was actually born in the hospital where I currently serve as President.” She said the current challenges facing the hospital are not unique to El Dorado and South Arkansas and said the current system is not conducive to rural hospitals. “A change needs to be made federally and at the state level, but we cannot sit back and wait for them to make the change.” She said for every dollar the hospital bills, they are reimbursed pennies, “our reimbursement does not cover the cost of operations.” She also said in the entire state of Arkansas, only 32 hospitals deliver babies, “your local hospital is one of those.” She noted that South Arkansas Regional Hospital offers the only in-patient behavioral health unit for 90 miles, at a time when mental health care is at critical levels.

SARH President Danna Wagnon-Taylor

“Community supports stability, stability creates opportunity…”

Britney Snell told the council the solution she and the panel brought today was a proposed partnership, a plan for long term sustainability. “Community supports stability, stability creates opportunity and opportunity creates a healthier and stronger community.”

SHARE Foundation CEO and SARH CFO, Britney Snell

450 Jobs, 135 Contracted Employees, $25 Million Payroll, and a $5 Million Benefit Package

Steven Jones told the Council that South Arkansas Regional Hospital currently employs 450 people, with another 135 contracted positions beyond that. Stating that the hospital currently pumps $25 Million into annual payroll, as well as a $5 Million benefits package to employees. Jones said when he and his team are working with industries, whether its retention, expansion, or recruiting new industry, access to quality healthcare is “at the top of that list!”

El Dorado / Union County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, Steven Jones

Here’s the pitch!

Equating his role at this meeting to that of when he introduced NIL Legislation to the State, Arkansas State Representative Matthew Shepherd (R-El Dorado) then pitched the panel’s solution, asking for a ½ cent sales tax to fund sustainability for South Arkansas Regional Hospital. Shepherd said one thing he learned from his time in the legislature and the lesson was amplified when he spent three terms as Speaker of the House, “There is a rural health care crisis.” Shepherd said the request was independent of the deal (announced last month) of Baptist Health Care’s acquisition of the hospital. “Whether that comes to fruition or not, I think the need is still going to exist and is still going to need to be addressed. This is not a proposal to have money going to a private entity.” Shepherd said the panel has been in discussions with the Friday Firm in Little Rock. The Friday Firm is actually Friday, Eldredge & Clark, the largest law firm in the state of Arkansas with 90 attorneys and 100 support personnel. The Friday Firm is also considered among the oldest law firms in the State, beginning their practice in 1871. The firm is well known for helping municipalities and governments navigate the legal landscape of special elections, ordinances and resolutions.

Shepherd said the idea of public funding for a hospital is not unheard of. Holding a list, Shepherd said there are approximately 30 hospitals in Arkansas who receive funding either from a municipality or county. He explained the council would then need to adopt a “resolution of intent.” That, in his words, would lay out the details of the intent of the sales tax. Another hurdle is the property where the hospital currently sits, is owned by Union County. In Shepherd’s estimation, the County would have to convey that property over to the City of El Dorado. Following that, the board of directors of South Arkansas Regional Hospital would have to transfer ownership of properties of SARH to the City. The City would then lease back to SARH those assets.

Flexibility

Shepherd kept the exact details and proposed spending of the tax revenue generic, purposefully. “The hope would be that the ordinances would be drafted in such a way that would provide some flexibility. That those funds could be utilized in the best way possible into the future. The last thing you want to do is go through this process and limit that use. You want to make sure you are providing the flexibility to address whatever needs may occur in the future. There are obviously legal parameters to that and that’s why so much of this is contingent on moving those properties over to the City. Because this is a City tax that would go for what is a City owned asset.”

“I think there will also be an effort at the state level to try and get additional funding. In the one big beautiful bill, there is $500 Million allocated for rural health transformation to the State of Arkansas.”

Arkansas State Reprsentative, District 97, Matthew Shepherd

“We want everyone to have accurate information and the chance to ask questions.”

Chris Hegi gave a glimpse of what the campaign for the proposed initiative would look like. He said Dr. Smart has agreed to be the voice and spearhead the campaign. He also said they are looking at the civic groups or any group who wants more information, they are more than happy to provide a speaker. “We want everyone to have accurate information and the chance to ask questions.” Hegi said. He also said the early conversations had around the community have been supportive, positive, and encouraging.

SHARE Foundation and SARH Board of Directors Member, Chris Hegi

Questions From The Council

Alderman Dianne Hammond (Ward 4) asked if the conveyance of property from the county to the city would be something that would have to go before the Union County Quorum Court. She also pointed out that the Quorum Court had met earlier that day and wouldn’t meet again for another month. She asked if they planned to have the County Judge call a special meeting? Speaking for the panel, Shepherd said they were prepared to ask for whatever needed to be done, to make sure it is handled in a timely fashion. He mentioned that several members of the panel have already been in discussion with County Judge Mike Loftin. Ward 3 Alderman Andre Rucks asked, “Who regulates the tax? How are we assured, from a regulatory standpoint, that the tax will be distributed properly?” Britney Snell, who is Chief Financial Officer of the hospital, said, “Our understanding is that the money would come directly to the city, in a city account. The hospital would submit documentation of spending, to the City, for reimbursement. It would be required to have a legal audit annually, where everything is reviewed and then reported back to the hospital level and the City level.” Rucks then asked, “Of those 500 plus jobs mentioned earlier, how many of those are local jobs?” Snell said, “Those 450 are onsite jobs. The 135 contracted positions are in our facility. We do have other entities we employ that aren’t onsite but those numbers were not included.” Hammond asked if the panel foresaw additional services being offered by the hospital, should the tax pass. Danna Wagnon-Taylor answered and said she could not predict the future because federal regulations change so often in the healthcare world. However, she did offer one dire look into the future, “If we don’t partner with another entity, if we stay independent. If we don’t pass this tax. Our services will diminish, we will have to cut services.”

Next up, the panel plans to present rough drafts of the Ordinances to the Council for their adoption. If approved by the Council, the vote for the tax will be during the Party Primary elections, March 3rd, 2026.

Full video of today’s meeting can be found at our Youtube channel by clicking here.

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El Dorado Man Faces Charges After SWAT Standoff

Published

14 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — A 39-year-old El Dorado man is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Union County District Court on Friday after being taken into custody following a lengthy police standoff earlier this week.

According to the El Dorado Police Department, Gary Lee Moore was arrested Tuesday morning after officers responded to a reported aggravated assault and spent more than an hour attempting to negotiate his surrender.

Authorities said officers were first called to South Arkansas Regional Hospital at approximately 6:45 a.m. Tuesday after receiving information about a suspected aggravated assault. Investigators reported that the victim told officers Moore had threatened her life and warned that he would kill any law enforcement officers who attempted to intervene.

Following the report, officers went to a residence in the 2700 block of Mount Holly Road to locate Moore.

Police secured the area around the residence, including shutting down a portion of Mount Holly Road, while ensuring no other individuals were inside the home. Crisis negotiators then began efforts to persuade Moore to surrender peacefully.

According to police, negotiators used verbal commands and communicated with Moore several times by telephone during the standoff. Despite those efforts, Moore repeatedly refused to leave the residence.

After negotiations proved unsuccessful, the El Dorado Police Department’s SWAT team implemented tactical measures that ultimately prompted Moore to exit the home.

Moore was taken into custody without further incident.

He has been charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threatening, resisting arrest and several additional charges.

Moore remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in Union County District Court on June 5.

The investigation remains ongoing.

News

Youth Festival Of The Arts Set For This Weekend

Published

14 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO, — Young artists from across South Arkansas will have an opportunity to display their creativity and connect with the community during the upcoming Youth Festival of the Arts on Saturday, June 6.

The event, presented through a partnership between the South Arkansas Arts Center and the Boys & Girls Club of Union County, will take place from 10 a.m. until noon at the Boys & Girls Club, located at 1201 N. West Ave. in El Dorado.

Organizers describe the event as a one-of-a-kind children’s art marketplace designed to celebrate and support young artists while encouraging creativity and artistic expression.

The festival will transform the indoor Lanxess Gym at the Boys & Girls Club into an art fair featuring artwork created by children and youth from throughout the region. Community members will have the opportunity to view the artwork, meet young artists and show their support for the next generation of creative talent.

The event is part of an ongoing effort by both organizations to provide artistic opportunities for local youth and help foster an appreciation for the arts in South Arkansas.

SAAC and the Boys & Girls Club have partnered on numerous programs focused on arts education, and organizers say the Youth Festival of the Arts is designed to give young creators a platform to share their work while building confidence and developing their artistic skills.

Community members are encouraged to attend and help support the area’s emerging artists.

Event Details

What: Youth Festival of the Arts
When: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Boys & Girls Club of Union County, 1201 N. West Ave., El Dorado
Hosted By: South Arkansas Arts Center and Boys & Girls Club of Union County
Admission: Open to the public

The event offers families a chance to celebrate creativity, encourage young artists and enjoy a morning dedicated to the arts in El Dorado.

News

Juneteenth Celebration Set For June 19th

Published

14 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Families from across South Arkansas are invited to gather for a day of celebration, education and community as the Justice League hosts its annual Juneteenth Stop the Violence Family Fun Day on June 19 at the Murphy Arts District Amphitheater.

The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the MAD Amphitheater and will feature food, entertainment, activities for children and community engagement opportunities designed to bring residents together while promoting peace and unity.

Organizers say attendees can enjoy free food, frozen treats, community vendors, a bounce house, water slide, poster contest, speakers, live entertainment and free T-shirts while supplies last.

The event is presented by the Justice League and made possible through support from title sponsor Clean Harbors.

Celebrating Juneteenth

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans that they were free—more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Although Lincoln’s proclamation officially declared enslaved people in Confederate states free on Jan. 1, 1863, enforcement depended on the presence of Union troops. In many parts of the South, slavery continued until federal troops arrived and enforced the order.

The announcement in Texas marked one of the final acts of emancipation in the United States and became a day of celebration among formerly enslaved people and their descendants.

Over the decades, Juneteenth grew from local community gatherings into a nationally recognized observance. In 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday, officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day.

Today, communities across the country celebrate the holiday with festivals, educational programs, cultural events, parades and family gatherings that honor freedom, resilience and African American history.

Bringing the Community Together

Organizers of the El Dorado event say the Family Fun Day is designed not only to celebrate Juneteenth but also to encourage positive community engagement and promote efforts to reduce violence through education, fellowship and outreach.

Residents of all ages are encouraged to attend and take part in the festivities.

Event Information

What: Juneteenth Stop the Violence Family Fun Day
When: June 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Murphy Arts District Amphitheater, El Dorado
Admission: Free
Activities: Food, frozen treats, vendors, bounce house, water slide, poster contest, speakers, entertainment and more

The event is open to the public and welcomes families throughout the region to celebrate Juneteenth and the spirit of community together.

News

“Calling The Hogs” Event With Chuck Barrett Set For Tonight

Published

14 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Razorback fans will have a chance to hear behind-the-scenes stories from one of the most recognizable voices in Arkansas sports tonight as “Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth” comes to the Murphy Arts District.

The special event, scheduled for June 4 inside the First Financial Music Hall, will feature legendary Arkansas Razorbacks play-by-play broadcaster Chuck Barrett, whose voice has become synonymous with some of the most memorable moments in Razorback athletics.

Barrett will share stories from his years behind the microphone, offering fans a unique look at the people, moments and memories that have shaped Arkansas sports. The evening is expected to include tales from the broadcast booth, locker room stories and insights into some of the biggest games in Razorback history.

Serving as master of ceremonies will be longtime Arkansas broadcaster and storyteller Rex Nelson, who will help guide the conversation and add his own blend of humor and perspective throughout the program.

Guests will also enjoy a catered dinner provided by Madhouse 101. Dinner service begins at 6:30 p.m. before the evening’s program gets underway.

Organizers say the event is designed to bring together sports fans, community members and supporters of Arkansas athletics for an entertaining night of storytelling and fellowship.

Tickets are $50 per person, plus applicable fees and taxes. Seating is limited.

The event will be held tonight at the First Financial Music Hall at Murphy Arts District in downtown El Dorado.

Event Details

What: Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth
When: Tonight, June 4
Where: First Financial Music Hall at Murphy Arts District, El Dorado
Dinner Service: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $50 per person plus fees and taxes
Seating: Limited availability

News

Farmers Market On The Square Celebrates Growers Month

Published

14 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Main Street El Dorado is inviting families to kick off June with fresh produce, local vendors and a creative activity for children during this week’s Farmers Market on the Square.

As part of Growers Month, the market will welcome local artist Pam Vernon for a free watercolor class designed especially for children. The class will take place Saturday, June 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., offering young artists an opportunity to explore their creativity while learning the basics of watercolor painting.

The activity is free and open to children attending the market with their families.

The Farmers Market on the Square is held every Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon on Jefferson Avenue near the Union County Courthouse in downtown El Dorado. The market features a variety of local growers, farmers, artisans and vendors offering fresh produce, homemade goods, plants and other locally sourced products.

Main Street El Dorado officials say Growers Month is a celebration of the farmers and producers who help supply fresh, locally grown products to the community throughout the season.

Families are encouraged to come early, shop the market and participate in the watercolor class while enjoying a morning in downtown El Dorado.

The event provides a fun and educational opportunity for children while supporting local growers and small businesses that make the Farmers Market a community favorite each summer.