EL DORADO — The El Dorado School District has announced that the Wildcat Wellness Center will remain open with limited provider availability throughout June 2025, with important scheduling reminders for families who may need care or medication refills before summer break.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to plan ahead, particularly for prescription refills, as the provider will be out of the office from Friday, June 6 through Friday, June 13. The final day to see the provider before the summer closure will be Thursday, June 26.

For students and staff who have previously been seen at the Wildcat Wellness Center, continued care is available through CABUN Rural Health Services during the break. Nearby clinics include:

• Hampton Clinic: 870-798-4064
• Strong Clinic: 870-797-7620

The Wildcat Wellness Center will officially reopen on Monday, August 4, just ahead of the new school year. District officials say they look forward to serving students and staff once again in the 2025–2026 academic year.

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CAMDEN — Just in time for summer, the City of Camden is now offering monthly passes for families to enjoy unlimited swimming at Carnes Park Pool throughout the month of June.

Passes are available for purchase at Camden City Hall or directly at Carnes Park Pool. Pricing is based on family size, with a pass for a family of three available for $70, a family of four for $85, and a family of five for $100.

City officials say the initiative is aimed at providing affordable, family-friendly recreation during the summer heat. With unlimited access all month long, residents can enjoy the pool as often as they like.

Whether you’re looking to beat the heat, stay active, or simply make lasting summer memories, the monthly pass offers a cost-effective way to dive into summer fun.

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For more information or to purchase your pass, visit Camden City Hall or Carnes Park Pool during regular hours.

EL DORADO — The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce is putting a playful twist on summer activities this year with the launch of “Summer Bingo,” a community engagement initiative designed to encourage families to explore local events, public spaces and small businesses.

With the community calendar packed with kid-friendly events, the Chamber saw an opportunity to turn the season into an adventure. Participants can stop by the Chamber office to pick up a bingo card filled with a variety of fun activities. As families complete tasks—from attending events to visiting local parks and businesses—they can mark off their squares.

Once participants complete a bingo, they can return their card to the Chamber and receive a sweet reward: a free ice cream cone, courtesy of Andy’s.

“Summer Bingo is a fun and easy way to explore everything our community has to offer,” said Chamber officials. “It’s designed for all ages and a great way to get families moving, playing and supporting local.”

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Participants are also encouraged to share their summer adventures on social media using the hashtag #goeldorado, allowing the community to follow along and join the fun.

Bingo cards are available now at the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce.

EL DORADO — Pleasant Grove Road at Loutre Creek is now open to traffic following the successful completion of bridge repairs, County Judge Mike Loftin announced Monday.

The road had been closed since May 29 for scheduled maintenance on the Loutre Creek bridge. Crews completed the work within the estimated five-day window.

“Bridge repairs are complete. Pleasant Grove Road is now open,” Judge Loftin said in a brief statement. “Thank you for your patience.”

The closure, announced in advance by the county on May 28, allowed for necessary structural improvements to ensure safe travel along the well-traveled route.

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Drivers are encouraged to resume normal travel patterns.

LITTLE ROCK — Southern Bancorp, Inc., a Little Rock-based Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and holding company for Southern Bancorp Bank, has announced plans to acquire Ozarks Heritage Financial Group and its wholly owned subsidiary, Legacy Bank and Trust.

Legacy Bank and Trust, a Springfield, Missouri-based CDFI with approximately $1.9 billion in assets, operates nine locations across Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas and employs nearly 200 people. Upon completion of the acquisition, Southern Bancorp’s total asset size will approach $5 billion, significantly expanding its regional footprint.

“We are excited to welcome the Legacy team, its customers, and its communities to Southern Bancorp,” said Darrin Williams, CEO of Southern Bancorp, Inc. “With the addition of the phenomenal team at Legacy, we look forward to expanding our collective resources – and impact – to even more people and places who can benefit from them.”

The transaction is subject to customary regulatory and shareholder approvals and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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Chris Harlin, chairman of Ozarks Heritage Financial Group, reflected on Legacy’s growth since its founding in 2002 in Plato, Missouri. “Joining a nationally recognized, mission-driven institution like Southern Bancorp represents an exciting new chapter in our journey,” Harlin said.

Legacy President and CEO John Everett added, “With the expanded resources and shared mission of Southern Bancorp, I’m confident we’ll achieve even greater impact in the communities we serve.”

Founded in 1986, Southern Bancorp is one of the nation’s oldest and largest CDFIs, known for its focus on financial inclusion and community development.

JPMorgan Chase and Nelson Mullins served as financial and legal advisors, respectively, to Southern Bancorp. Stephens Inc. and Stinson LLP advised Ozarks Heritage Financial Group in the transaction.

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