CAMDEN – A 15-year-old Camden boy died Tuesday afternoon in an apparent drowning at Riverwalk Park, according to a press release from the Camden Police Department.

Authorities were dispatched to the park at approximately 12:41 p.m. on June 17 after receiving a report of a subject in the water. Witnesses directed officers and Camden Fire Department personnel to an area just off the dock, where they entered the water and located the victim within 3 to 5 minutes of arrival.

Life-saving measures were immediately initiated and continued during the victim’s transport to Ouachita County Medical Center. Despite the efforts of first responders and medical personnel, the teen was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Out of respect for the family, the victim’s name has not been released. Police say the incident is being treated as an accidental drowning but remains under investigation.

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Camden Police Chief T.J. Robertson expressed condolences on behalf of the department. “The Camden Police Department extends its sincerest condolences to the victim’s family,” the release stated.

EL DORADO – ProMed Ambulance has announced the opening of a new paramedic logistics base in East Camden, further strengthening emergency medical services in Ouachita County and the surrounding region. The facility, expected to be operational by July 1, will enhance response times and support regional EMS operations in Calhoun and Union counties.

The new base will serve as a strategic hub to support growing healthcare demands and provide safety coverage to the Highland Industrial Park, a key driver of economic development in South Arkansas.

“Our goal is to meet the growing healthcare and safety needs of this region while being strong community partners,” said Ken Kelley, President & CEO of ProMed Ambulance. “This expansion reflects our continued investment in local healthcare infrastructure and our dedication to serving both residents and industries with world-class emergency care.”

In addition to expanding regional EMS capacity, ProMed will be available to assist Ouachita County’s 9-1-1 system during peak periods and collaborate with Ouachita County Medical Center to help meet increasing patient volumes.

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ProMed is actively recruiting qualified EMS professionals to join its growing team. The company is hiring licensed paramedics and EMTs and also offers entry-level training for individuals interested in pursuing a career in emergency medical services.

“We are committed to building strong local teams,” Kelley added. “As we grow, we look forward to being good corporate citizens and contributing to the continued development of Ouachita County and beyond.”

Once approved by the Arkansas Department of Health, the new East Camden facility will operate as an Advanced Life Support station, with modern communications equipment and a focus on readiness and rapid response.

For more information about ProMed Ambulance services or to explore current job opportunities, visit www.promedambulance.com.

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EL DORADO — Union County residents will have the opportunity to dispose of large household items at no cost this Saturday, June 21, as part of the county’s ongoing cleanup efforts.

According to Union County Judge Mike Loftin, the Union County Solid Waste Department will host its monthly large-item drop-off day at its facility located at 2450 Champagnolle Road in El Dorado. The event will run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The service is designed for the disposal of oversized items that are difficult to manage through regular trash pickup. Accepted items include washers, dryers, mattresses, and similar bulky goods. However, the county will not accept perishable items, household garbage, or hazardous materials.

“There is no charge for this service,” Judge Loftin said. “It’s one of the ways we are working to keep Union County clean and provide a convenient option for our residents.”

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The drop-off service is offered on the third Saturday of each month.

EL DORADO – The National Weather Service in Shreveport has placed South Arkansas under a Level 1 Marginal Risk for severe weather today, with storms expected to develop later this afternoon and into the evening.

While the highest risk for severe thunderstorms will be concentrated across northeast Texas, southeast Oklahoma, southwest Arkansas, and northwest Louisiana, residents in southern Arkansas—especially north of Interstate 20—should remain weather-aware.

According to the NWS, there is a 30-40% chance of severe storms, with the primary threats being damaging wind gusts of 60 mph or higher and hail up to quarter size.

Meteorologists caution that while widespread severe weather is not anticipated for the region, isolated storms could intensify quickly under favorable conditions.

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Aside from the storm risk, the region will experience partly cloudy skies and warm pre-summer temperatures, with highs expected to reach the low to mid-90s.

Residents are encouraged to stay updated throughout the day and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts. You can follow South Arkansas Now on social media for the latest information.

LITTLE ROCK — Dr. Jerakaycia Smith has been named Vice President of the Arkansas Medical Society, a recognition of her continued leadership and dedication to the advancement of healthcare throughout the state.

Dr. Smith’s appointment to this prestigious role highlights her commitment to both the medical profession and the wellbeing of Arkansas communities. As Vice President, she will help guide the organization’s efforts to support physicians, improve public health policy, and strengthen the quality of care available to Arkansans.

“We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Jerakaycia Smith has been installed as the Vice President of the Arkansas Medical Society,” the organization stated in a release. “This prestigious role is a testament to her dedication, leadership, and commitment to advancing healthcare in our community and across the state.”

Known to many as a passionate advocate for patients and fellow providers, Dr. Smith has earned a reputation for her tireless work to improve healthcare access and outcomes, especially in underserved areas.

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Supporters and colleagues across the medical community are celebrating her achievement and looking forward to the impact she will continue to make in her new leadership role.

“Please join us in congratulating Dr. Jera Smith on this well-deserved achievement,” the organization added.