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Union County Recognizes 911 Dispatchers as First Responders

Published

2 hours ago

June 19, 2026

J.W. Misenheimer

Union County officials say congratulations are in order for the women working behind the scenes at the Union County 911 Call Center.

The Union County Quorum Court has officially passed an ordinance recognizing 911 dispatchers as first responders, according to Union County Judge Mike Loftin.

Loftin told South Arkansas Now that dispatchers serve as a vital connection between people facing an emergency and the police officers, firefighters and medical personnel sent to help them.

“911 dispatchers act as a lifeline in critical situations between those in distress and the emergency services personnel,” Loftin said.

Dispatchers are often the first people to speak with someone during a medical emergency, fire, automobile accident or dangerous situation. They must quickly gather information, determine what kind of emergency is taking place and send the correct responders to the scene.

Loftin said a dispatcher’s ability to remain calm and understand the situation can make an important difference when every second matters.

“Being able to assess the situation is crucial,” Loftin stated in a release provided to South Arkansas Now. “The person on the other end of the line needs someone who can understand the kind of help that is needed, and these dispatchers ensure that the help they need promptly arrives.”

Because dispatchers are the first people to answer calls for help, Loftin said they deserve to be recognized as the “first of the first responders.”

While the work can be rewarding, dispatchers told South Arkansas Now that it can also be emotionally difficult. They regularly communicate with people who are frightened, injured or experiencing one of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Some calls involve tragic or frightening circumstances. Even while hearing those situations unfold, dispatchers must remain composed, collect accurate information and guide callers until emergency personnel arrive.

The emotional effects of those calls do not always disappear at the end of a shift. Dispatchers may carry the memories of difficult conversations home with them, making mental strength and support from their coworkers especially important.

Matthews said she also plans to send members of her team to career fairs and other community events to raise awareness about the work performed inside the call center.

The outreach will give dispatchers an opportunity to explain how the center serves Union County and keeps communication moving among law enforcement officers, fire departments, emergency medical personnel and other first responders.

Matthews said the call center currently has two full-time positions available. One opening is for a full-time dispatcher. The other is for a full-time floater who would provide coverage when another employee is sick, on vacation or otherwise unable to work.

Those interested in applying may call the Union County 911 Call Center at 870-864-1990. An application will then be sent to the prospective applicant by email.

The ordinance recognizes that dispatchers do far more than answer telephones. They make quick decisions, provide reassurance and help coordinate emergency responses throughout Union County.

For Loftin and other county officials, formally naming 911 dispatchers as first responders acknowledges the important role they play in protecting the public and helping emergency personnel reach those who need them.

“Because our 911 dispatchers are the first to answer the call, they should be considered the first of the first responders,” Loftin said.

Featured

SouthArk’s Kenner Lauterbach Earns NJCAA All-American Honors

Published

2 days ago

June 17, 2026

J.W. Misenheimer

EL DORADO, Ark. — South Arkansas College sophomore third baseman Kenner Lauterbach has been named an NJCAA Division II Baseball Honorable Mention All-American following a standout season for the Stars.

Lauterbach, a native of Benton, Louisiana, completed his junior-college eligibility after serving as a two-year starter for SouthArk.

During his sophomore campaign, Lauterbach posted a .479 batting average, ranking second nationally among players with at least 100 at-bats.

His performance helped lead SouthArk to a 38-17 record during the season.

Lauterbach becomes the second athlete in South Arkansas College history to earn NJCAA All-American recognition.

He joins former SouthArk teammate Justin Szymanski, who received the same honorable mention distinction last year after completing his junior-college eligibility with the Stars.

The recognition adds another milestone for the SouthArk baseball program as it continues building its presence on the national junior-college stage.

Featured

Calion Boat Poker Run to Support Beloved Community Member Battling Cancer

Published

5 days ago

June 14, 2026

J.W. Misenheimer

CALION, Ark. — A growing Calion tradition will return this summer as residents rally around a beloved community member undergoing cancer treatment.

The second annual Boat Poker Run in Support of Debbie Hudson will take place Saturday, June 27, at the Calion Spillway. Organizers say all proceeds from the event will go directly to Hudson’s family to help with treatment and other related expenses.

Residents describe Hudson as a maternal figure within the Calion community and someone who has consistently encouraged others to pursue their goals. She is often regarded as one of the community’s biggest cheerleaders — or “hype girls” — because of her enthusiasm for Calion and her desire to see local residents succeed.

Assistant event coordinator Holly Hudson and event coordinator Katie Gibbons are helping organize the fundraiser and bring the community together in Debbie Hudson’s honor.

Registration will take place from 8 to 9:30 a.m. on the day of the event at the Calion Spillway. The first boat will depart at 10 a.m., and the final boat must return by 3 p.m.

Stops will be positioned along the river before participants finish back at the spillway.

The entry fee is $20 per hand, with all payments due in cash on the morning of the event. Organizers emphasize that proceeds will be given directly to the family to assist with the financial costs associated with Hudson’s care.

The fundraiser will continue later that evening with a Baggo tournament beginning at 5 p.m. Registration for the tournament will cost $40 per team, with additional details about its location expected to be announced.

Supporters may also purchase official poker run shirts. Profits from the shirt sales will also go directly to Hudson’s family.

Organizers hope the event will provide meaningful financial support while also showing Hudson how much she means to Calion and the surrounding community.

Additional updates are available through the event’s Facebook page. Questions may be directed to Katie Lyn Gibbons.

Featured

El Dorado Police Department Seeking Information on Missing Man

Published

1 week ago

June 12, 2026

J.W. Misenheimer

EL DORADO, AR — The El Dorado Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating Wilford Coddington, a 66-year-old man reported missing from El Dorado.

According to a missing-person flyer shared by the Morgan Nick Foundation, Coddington was last seen on foot on Thursday, May 28, 2026, after indicating that he was going fishing. He did not return home and has not made contact with family or friends.

Coddington is described as a white male, 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing approximately 190 pounds. He has brown and gray hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information about Coddington’s whereabouts is asked to contact the El Dorado Police Department at 870-863-4141.

The Morgan Nick Foundation is also listed on the flyer and may be reached at 479-632-6382.

Featured

El Dorado Food Truck Committee Proposes New Permit Fees, Enforcement Procedures

Published

2 weeks ago

June 8, 2026

J.W. Misenheimer

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.