EL DORADO — ProMed Ambulance has reached a final agreement to purchase Ouachita County EMS from Ouachita County Medical Center, a move officials say will help ensure continued emergency medical service coverage for residents and visitors in Ouachita County.

The agreement follows a previously announced Letter of Intent and represents a significant step in the transition of EMS operations in the county.

In support of the transition, the Ouachita County Quorum Court approved an exclusive ambulance service agreement with ProMed during its March 10 meeting. The agreement authorizes ProMed Ambulance to serve as the county’s primary emergency medical service provider.

ProMed and Ouachita County Medical Center are currently coordinating efforts to ensure a smooth transition of services. During this period, ProMed has begun assuming primary emergency response roles, with the final closing on the purchase expected within the next several days.

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“Our shared priority is maintaining uninterrupted, high-quality emergency medical care for the community throughout this transition,” said ProMed CEO Ken Kelley. “We are grateful for the trust placed in ProMed by Ouachita County leadership and Ouachita County Medical Center.”

As part of the transition, current Ouachita County Medical Center EMS employees will join the ProMed team, along with additional personnel. Officials say the experience and dedication of these team members will help maintain the level of care residents have come to expect.

ProMed Ambulance has maintained a connection to the area for many years, previously serving as a neighboring backfill EMS provider for Ouachita County for more than three decades. The organization also expanded its presence in the region through licensing and operations in East Camden in 2025.

With the transition nearing completion, ProMed plans to continue developing and expanding emergency medical services in the area while strengthening partnerships with local hospitals, governments and community organizations.

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The company also plans to participate in upcoming community outreach opportunities, allowing team members to connect with residents across Ouachita County and introduce the expanded EMS services.

ProMed Ambulance is a regional emergency medical services provider focused on delivering prehospital care and medical transportation. The organization partners with hospitals, municipalities and counties to provide EMS coverage, advanced clinical care and community-based emergency response services.

EL DORADO, Ark. — Baptist Health has reached a definitive agreement to add South Arkansas Regional Hospital to its health system, with the acquisition expected to be completed June 14 pending customary regulatory approvals.

Once finalized, the El Dorado facility — licensed for 151 beds — will operate as Baptist Health Medical Center–El Dorado, becoming part of the statewide Baptist Health network.

Troy Wells, president and CEO of Baptist Health, said the organization was approached by South Arkansas Regional Hospital about merging into the system.

“It’s an extremely challenging time for community hospitals and many are looking for a healthcare system to partner with them to remain sustainable,” Wells said. “Baptist Health continues to have a proven track record for operating rural hospitals efficiently in much needed areas of the state.”

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Hospital leaders in El Dorado said the move is intended to strengthen long-term stability and expand resources available to patients.

“This step is being taken to strengthen our ability to provide high-quality care and ensure the long-term stability of our hospital in a rapidly changing healthcare environment,” said Danna Taylor, president of South Arkansas Regional Hospital. “By joining Baptist Health, we will gain access to additional clinical resources, technology, operational support, and expertise that will help us continue delivering the care our patients rely on every day.”

The El Dorado hospital is designated as a Level III Trauma Center and offers a range of inpatient and outpatient services including emergency care, obstetrics, cardiology and orthopedics.

Hospital officials said the period between now and the June acquisition will allow time to prepare for the transition and minimize disruptions to hospital operations as the facility integrates into the Baptist Health system.

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EL DORADO, Ark. — The El Dorado City Council will meet Thursday evening with several items scheduled for discussion, including a presentation to a state senator, infrastructure-related matters and a State of the City update.

The meeting is scheduled for March 12, with the evening beginning at 4:55 p.m. with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The council meeting will officially begin at 5 p.m.

Following the call to order, city leaders will welcome the public and make announcements. The agenda also includes a special presentation to Arkansas State Senator Matt Stone.

Council members will then conduct roll call and consider approval of minutes from previous meetings before opening the floor for public comments.

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Under unfinished business, the council is expected to hear an update related to the Historic District Commission from Justin Howard. Members will also consider a proposal involving Monroe Street that would convert the roadway to a one-way street. The item, presented by Retta Brown, will require a vote from the council.

Several items are listed under new business. Quan Moore will present information related to Entergy, while Police Chief Mosby is scheduled to discuss an ArAAGEMT affiliation agreement. City officials will also provide a State of the City report as part of the meeting.

The agenda includes time for additional matters under other business before the meeting concludes.

The next meeting of the El Dorado City Council is scheduled for April 9 at 5:15 p.m.

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EL DORADO — Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop across South Arkansas and the Ark-La-Tex region today, bringing the potential for damaging winds, large hail and isolated tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service in Shreveport.

Forecasters say the risk will begin this morning and increase through the afternoon before gradually ending later this evening. The greatest concern across much of the region will be strong wind gusts that could approach 70 miles per hour, along with hail that could reach the size of quarters or larger.

While the tornado threat remains relatively low, the National Weather Service says isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out as storms move through the area.

Much of Southwest Arkansas, Northeast Texas and all of Northern Louisiana are included in the severe weather outlook. The region is primarily under a slight risk for severe storms, meaning scattered severe thunderstorms are possible.

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Cities including El Dorado, Texarkana, Shreveport and Monroe fall within the risk area for today’s storms.

Meteorologists warn that damaging straight-line winds will likely be the most widespread hazard, capable of downing trees, damaging structures and causing power outages. Large hail could also accompany stronger storm cells.

Residents are encouraged to stay weather aware throughout the day and have multiple ways to receive warnings. Officials recommend monitoring the latest forecasts and making sure severe weather safety plans are in place in case warnings are issued.

The National Weather Service advises people to remain alert as storms develop and to be prepared to take shelter quickly if severe weather approaches.

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EL DORADO, Ark. — Louisiana Tech University’s Office of Admissions welcomed students and families to South Arkansas College on March 9 for Bulldog Bash 2026, an event designed to connect prospective students with university leaders, current students, alumni and scholarship opportunities.

Held at the South Arkansas College Conference Center, the event was hosted by Louisiana Tech University’s Office of Admissions and organized by Lexi McBride, Arkansas Recruiter, and Emily Poole-Cash, Assistant Director of Campus Experience.
McBride said the evening gave Arkansas students and their families a chance to connect in person after months of conversations and planning.

“Our Bulldog Bash in El Dorado was such a fun night,” McBride said. “Seeing so many Arkansas students I have been working with all year finally in one room with their families was honestly the best feeling.”
She said one of the highlights of the night was talking with students about their college plans and encouraging them as they prepare for the fall semester.

“That’s exactly why I love this job,” McBride said. “Helping students take their first steps toward their future and cheering them on to thrive both in and out of the classroom.”
The evening also featured remarks from Dr. Trée George, Executive Director of Recruitment, Admissions and Enrollment. During his keynote, George spoke about the impact Louisiana Tech’s campus community has had on his personal life.

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Organizers said he shared a personal story about support he received from university staff, including several colleagues who attended his mother’s funeral just eight months into his career at the university.
Notable Louisiana Tech staff in attendance included Dr. Dickie Crawford, Senior Vice President of Student Advancement and Chief Operating Officer; Dr. Samuel Speed, Assistant Vice President of Student Advancement; Stacy Gilbert, Dean of Student Services and Academic Support; and Colin Bailey, Assistant Director of Recruitment.

Students and families also heard from a panel of current Louisiana Tech students, including JaKovee Gray, a freshman finance major from El Dorado, and Katherine Smith, a freshman pre-professional speech-language pathology major from Smackover.
Organizers said the focus of the student panel was culture, with panelists describing Louisiana Tech as a place where students build strong connections, step outside their comfort zones and grow in ways they may not have expected. They also encouraged future students to try new things and get involved on campus.

An alumni panel also shared reflections on their experiences at Louisiana Tech. Panelists included Evan Chandler of Murphy USA, Britney Duke of El Dorado High School, Madison Coats of Washington Middle School and Camden Sanford of El Dorado High School.

According to organizers, the alumni panel emphasized the words “close” and “family” when describing the university. Panelists said Tech offers students the chance to live independently while still remaining close enough to home for support when needed. They also described the campus as a family, from university leadership to custodial and grounds staff.
The event also included scholarship presentations for students from across South Arkansas.

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Scholarship winners recognized during Bulldog Bash 2026 were:
Antaveion Leak, Camden Fairview High School
Brooklyn Hayes, Crossett High School
J’Miracle McAlphin, El Dorado High School
Ford Ricker, El Dorado High School
London Willis, El Dorado High School
Alexis Vaughan, Harmony Grove High School
Victoria Williamson, Home School
Braylon Wilcher, Magnolia High School
Mackenzie Young, Magnolia High School
Lillian Martin, Smackover High School
Logan Sanders, Warren High School

Organizers said the event reflected Louisiana Tech’s focus on community, student support and helping future Bulldogs feel at home before they ever arrive on campus.