SHREVEPORT – The National Weather Service is warning residents across South Arkansas to prepare for the potential of strong to severe thunderstorms both today and again late Saturday into Saturday night.

According to the latest outlook from the NWS office in Shreveport, portions of the region, including areas near El Dorado and Camden, are under a Level 1 to Level 2 risk for severe weather. That means there is a marginal to slight chance of storms capable of producing hail, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall.

For Friday, storms are expected primarily during daytime hours, with hail and wind being the main threats. The risk increases again late Saturday, with storms expected during the afternoon, evening, and overnight hours. In addition to hail and strong winds, heavy rainfall is likely to accompany these storms Saturday night, which could lead to localized flooding.

Emergency officials encourage residents to stay weather-aware, especially during outdoor events or travel. Make sure to have multiple ways to receive severe weather alerts, including a NOAA weather radio or trusted weather apps.

The forecast will be updated as conditions develop. For the latest weather information, visit weather.gov/shv.

CAMDEN — Downtown Camden will come alive Friday evening with the sights, sounds, and smells of the First Friday Monthly Market, as the community comes together to honor first responders during a special “Heroes Among Us” celebration.

Scheduled for June 6 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., this month’s market is expected to be the largest yet, featuring a record number of vendors, live music, delicious food, and a variety of local artisans and authors.

Attendees can enjoy everything from fresh produce, sunflowers, and handmade jellies to hand-forged silver jewelry, woodworking, and hand-poured fish bait. A wide variety of food options will also be available, including Spud Love’s famous loaded potatoes and Smith’s Treats & BBQ serving brisket, ribs, nachos, and funnel cakes.

To beat the heat, guests can cool off with shaved ice, bubble tea, kettle corn, lemonade, freeze-dried candies, and more. Live music will be provided by the band “Saving Tuesday,” offering the perfect backdrop for an evening of strolling and socializing.

In a special highlight of the evening, four authors with Camden ties will be on hand to meet guests and sign copies of their books.

Downtown merchants will extend their hours for First Friday specials, making it easy for shoppers to browse and buy local well into the evening.

With a heartfelt theme of gratitude, “Heroes Among Us” invites the public to recognize the strength, courage, and service of Camden’s first responders.

Come stroll, sip, nibble, and chat — and stay awhile this Friday night in Downtown Camden.

SMACKOVER— Martin Lubricants is inviting job seekers to explore new career opportunities at an upcoming job fair on Thursday, June 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be held at the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources, located at 4087 Smackover Highway.

The company is actively hiring for positions at its Smackover facility, including production workers, operators, forklift drivers, and skilled trade roles. Recent high school graduates, college students entering the workforce, and experienced job seekers alike are encouraged to attend.

“We’re excited to meet individuals ready to begin a career with a company that values hard work and community,” said representatives from Martin Lubricants.

Job fair attendees will have the opportunity to meet the hiring team, learn more about available shifts—including day shifts in the packaging plant and second and third shifts in the plastics department—and explore the benefits of joining the Martin Lubricants team.

The company is offering competitive pay, a full benefits package including paid vacation, sick time, and 401(k), and starting wages ranging from $17 to $18 per hour. Shift differential pay is available for select positions.

Applicants are encouraged to bring a resume or come prepared to fill out an application onsite.

For more information, visit www.martinlubricants.com.

MAGNOLIA – In just two years since launching its innovative Rider Residency model, Southern Arkansas University and its six partner school districts have reached a major milestone—providing over $2 million in direct support to aspiring teachers through paid, year-long residencies.

This groundbreaking approach to teacher preparation is made possible through strong collaboration with Ashdown School District, Camden Fairview School District, El Dorado School District, Hope School District, Magnolia School District, and Texarkana Arkansas School District. These districts not only fund paid positions for residents training to become teachers but also invest in experienced mentor teachers through stipends for their yearlong commitment to co-teach, support, and develop the next generation of educators. In addition, Hampton School District has committed to joining Rider Residency in the fall of 2025.

“Our partner districts believed in this vision from the beginning,” said Dr. Neelie Dobbins, chair of the Department of Teacher Education, “and their investment in the Rider Residency model is directly impacting teacher quality, retention, and—most importantly—student learning.”

Long before the state of Arkansas mandated yearlong residencies for teacher licensure, SAU and its district partners recognized the value of immersive, sustained classroom experience. In the Rider Residency model, teacher candidates are hired by districts, embedded full-time in classrooms, and mentored by veteran teachers throughout the school year.

The benefits are already clear: not only are future educators receiving extensive hands-on preparation, but K–12 students are thriving. Data from partner schools indicate that student achievement in classrooms with resident/mentor teacher pairs is outpacing the state average, countering national trends that often show a decline in student performance during traditional student teaching models.

“This partnership isn’t just about preparing teachers—it’s about building strong school communities,” said Melissa Powell, Assistant Superintendent of El Dorado School District. “We’re seeing the impact every day in our classrooms.”

The success of Rider Residency has also been bolstered by strategic support from Forward Arkansas, a nonprofit organization focused on improving educational outcomes across the state. With funding from a transformative innovation grant, SAU rapidly expanded the program by adding district-embedded site coordinators and targeted professional development for mentor teachers.

Since launching in January 2023, more than 100 residents have participated in the Rider Residency program across the six districts. An overwhelming majority—91%—have been hired into full-time teaching roles within the same district where they received their training, reinforcing the model’s effectiveness in supporting long-term retention and local workforce development.

“Thanks to our district partners and Forward Arkansas, we’re not just preparing teachers—we’re transforming the teacher pipeline,” said Dr. Lynze Greathouse, assistant professor of Education. “This is what real collaboration looks like, and we’re just getting started.”

EL DORADO — The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting to officially welcome TCW Fiber Company to the local business community. The event will be held at 3000 W. Hillsboro St. and is open to the public.

The ceremony celebrates TCW’s expansion into the El Dorado area, where the company is launching high-speed fiber internet services to homes and businesses. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about TCW’s offerings and how the provider plans to enhance broadband access across the region.

Based in Arkansas, TCW (Townes Communications, Inc.) is a privately held telecommunications company with over 30 years of experience. The company offers fiber-optic internet, voice, and data services, primarily focusing on rural and underserved areas across the state. TCW has continued to grow its presence through strategic partnerships and community-based expansions.

The event is part of the Chamber’s ongoing efforts to support economic development and improve infrastructure in Union County. All residents and business owners are encouraged to attend and learn more about local internet options.