EL DORADO, AR — Food truck operators doing business inside the El Dorado city limits could soon face a revised permit-fee structure, stricter enforcement and new restrictions on the use of city-owned property.

The El Dorado Food Truck Committee met to formulate procedures food truck owners would be expected to follow while operating within the city. The committee’s recommendations are expected to be presented to the El Dorado City Council on Thursday for consideration.

Under the proposal, food truck operators who live within the El Dorado city limits would pay $60 for the first day of operation without electricity or $80 with electricity.

For a second day of operation, city residents would pay $35 without electricity or $50 with electricity.

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Food truck operators who do not live within the city limits would pay higher rates. Non-resident operators would pay $75 for the first day without electricity or $100 with electricity.

For a second day, non-resident operators would pay $50 without electricity or $75 with electricity.

Food truck owners would be required to pay the applicable fees and secure their permits during regular city business hours. City officials said operators would not be permitted to arrive late on a Friday or during the weekend and begin operating without first paying the required fees.

Failure to follow the proposed permit requirements could result in a $300 fine.

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Committee Vice President Andre Rucks suggested developing an online system that would allow food truck operators to pay their fees and obtain permits electronically. Mayor Paul Choate said creating an online registration and payment system would be too costly, estimating that it could cost the city approximately $10,000 to establish.

Marty Rosson, owner of DP’s Food Truck Park, addressed the committee and said he believes some food trucks are coming into El Dorado, setting up and operating without paying the required fees.

Rosson said the situation concerns him as both a taxpayer and a local food truck operator. He argued that vendors who avoid the fees create an unfair business environment for operators who comply with the city’s rules and pay the required costs.

Rosson also said he had heard that the Boys and Girls Club had been allowing food trucks to operate on its property. During the discussion, the property was described as being owned by the city.

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Rosson said he would consider withdrawing his financial support and involvement with the Boys and Girls Club unless the city consistently enforces the food truck permit and fee system. He said the same rules should apply to every operator conducting business within El Dorado.

Councilman David Hurst suggested that El Dorado consider an enforcement procedure similar to the one used in Magnolia. Under that approach, police officers could ask a food truck operator to present a valid permit. An operator who could not produce one would be instructed to leave.

The committee also discussed whether food trucks should be allowed to operate on city-owned property. One recommendation expected to be brought before the City Council would prohibit food trucks from setting up on city property unless they are participating in an approved event.

Grease disposal was another issue raised during the meeting. Committee members questioned where mobile food vendors are dumping used cooking grease and whether operators have access to approved grease traps.

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Rosson said he would make a grease trap available at his privately owned food truck park, though operators would be required to pay a fee to use it.

The proposed permit rates, enforcement procedures, grease-disposal concerns and restrictions involving city property are all expected to be discussed when the recommendations are presented to the El Dorado City Council on Thursday.

The proposals will not become official city policy unless they are approved by the council.

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Hamburg, AR – The search for David Lee Miller of Ashley County has ended with the best possible result.
South Arkansas Now contacted the Ashley County Sheriff’s Office after receiving reports that Mr. Miller had been located and was safe. The department confirmed he, indeed, had been located.

The Arkansas Highway Police had issues alerts and BOLOs (Be On the Lookout) for Miller. In addition, Arkansas State Police sent Emergency Response Teams to South Arkansas to aid in the search. Initially, there is no word on who found Mr. Miller. Social media posts from friends and family began filling up feeds, rejoicing at his safe recovery.
If more information becomes available, we will pass that along.

Hamburg, AR – Authorities in Ashley County, Arkansas are pleading for the public’s assistance in locating 71 year old David Lee Miller. Reports from family and friends say Miller suffers from dementia and could be in danger.
Per social media posts from family, his phone was pinged near Catfish Inn and recovered there but given his dementia, he could have sat the phone down and wandered away.
Some reports say Miller could be around a backroad between Hamburg & Crossett. He was last seen around 8:00 P.M. Saturday night, wearing a navy blue shirt, jeans, and black crocs. Miller is a black male, about 5’9” tall and weighing about 175 lbs.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the Hamburg Police Department at (870) 853-2040

CAMDEN, AR – ProMed Ambulance, Inc. is pleased to announce the successful completion of its acquisition of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division of Ouachita County Medical Center (OCMC). Effective immediately, all EMS operations previously provided by OCMC have been fully transitioned to ProMed Ambulance with no interruption in service to the citizens of Camden, East Camden, and Ouachita County. The completion of this transition marks an important milestone in strengthening emergency medical services throughout the region while ensuring continued access to dependable, high-quality ambulance care. “We are extremely proud of the work that has gone into making this transition successful,” said Ken Kelley, President and Chief Executive Officer of ProMed Ambulance. “Many dedicated individuals on both sides of this process worked diligently to ensure a smooth transfer of operations. Their professionalism, cooperation, and commitment to the community allowed this transition to occur without any disruption in emergency medical services. We are grateful for their efforts and partnership.”

In preparation for assuming operations, ProMed has already begun investing in the future of EMS services in Ouachita County. The company recently completed procurement of new emergency medical equipment and will place its first new ambulance into frontline service next week, representing nearly $250,000 in capital investment dedicated to enhancing local emergency response capabilities. “This is only the beginning,” Kelley said. “We believe the citizens of Ouachita County deserve access to modern equipment, advanced clinical care, and a stable, sustainable EMS system. Our investment demonstrates our long-term commitment to this community.” ProMed is also pleased to welcome former OCMC EMS personnel, along with newly recruited EMS professionals, to the ProMed family. The addition of these experienced caregivers strengthens the organization’s ability to meet the growing healthcare and emergency response needs of the community. “Our greatest asset has always been our people,” Kelley added. “We are excited to have both former OCMC team members and new recruits join us as we build the next chapter of EMS service in Ouachita County. Together, we look forward to accomplishing even greater things for the communities we serve.”

ProMed Ambulance extends its sincere appreciation to the citizens, healthcare providers, local leaders, and community partners throughout Camden and Ouachita County for the warm welcome and support shown during the transition process. “From the very beginning, we have been met with open arms,” Kelley said. “We are honored by the trust that has been placed in us and remain committed to earning that trust every day through exceptional service and patient care.”

About ProMed Ambulance:

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Founded in 2000, ProMed Ambulance, Inc. is a privately owned Arkansas ambulance service providing Advanced Life Support (ALS), Basic Life Support (BLS), emergency medical dispatch, healthcare education, community healthcare initiatives, and related healthcare services throughout Arkansas. Guided by its mission of delivering World Class Care. Hometown Values., ProMed continues to invest in innovative programs, advanced technology, and highly trained professionals to serve the healthcare needs of Arkansas communities.

EL DORADO, Ark. — Razorback fans and community supporters packed the First Financial Music Hall at the Murphy Arts District Thursday evening for Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth, an event that brought together Arkansas sports stories, dinner, fellowship and fundraising.

The evening featured Chuck Barrett, the well-known voice of the Arkansas Razorbacks, who shared stories from his years behind the microphone and offered guests an inside look at some of the most memorable moments in Arkansas sports. Longtime Arkansas broadcaster and storyteller Rex Nelson served as Master of Ceremonies, helping guide the evening with humor, insight and plenty of Hog spirit.

The catered event, with dinner provided by Madhouse 101, drew a strong turnout, with venue tables filled throughout the evening. In addition to the program, guests also took part in an auction, where every auction item was sold.

Organizers said the event was a great success, bringing together Razorback fans, local supporters and community members for an evening centered on storytelling, sports nostalgia and South Arkansas hospitality.

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Watch a quick highlight from the event!