EL DORADO, AR – Young people interested in a career in emergency medical services will soon have a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience through a new partnership between ProMed Ambulance and Scouting America’s Exploring Program.

The organizations are launching a Paramedic/EMT Exploring Post designed for individuals ages 16 to 20 who want to learn more about the emergency medical field. According to organizers, the program will accept 10 participants and provide real-world exposure to the skills and responsibilities associated with becoming an Emergency Medical Technician or paramedic.

The program will offer training in several key areas, including patient assessments, diagnostics, treatment and CPR, and emergency care procedures. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn directly from EMS professionals and gain insight into the day-to-day realities of emergency response.

An open house for the program is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at ProMed’s El Dorado facility, located at 1152 Strong Highway. Organizers encourage interested students and their parents to attend the event to learn more about the program and the opportunities available through the Exploring Post.

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In addition to classroom-style instruction, participants will receive hands-on training and exposure to emergency response operations. Organizers say the program is designed not only to teach valuable life-saving skills but also to help young people determine whether a career in emergency medicine is the right fit for them.

The Exploring Program, operated through Scouting America, introduces young adults to a variety of career fields through practical experiences and mentorship opportunities. The new EMS-focused post in El Dorado aims to provide participants with a direct pathway to learn about one of the nation’s most in-demand professions.

For additional information about the program or the June 2 open house, interested individuals may contact Ronda Plummer at (870) 314-1445 or by email at [email protected].

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EL DORADO — The El Dorado School District has announced Ashley Johnson as its District Teacher of the Year, recognizing her outstanding dedication to students and commitment to educational excellence.

In addition to receiving the district’s top teaching honor, Johnson was also named the Middle/Junior High Level Outstanding Educator by the El Dorado Education Foundation. The dual recognition highlights her impact in the classroom and the positive influence she has on students, colleagues, and the school community.

District officials praised Johnson for her hard work, leadership, and unwavering commitment to helping students succeed. The Teacher of the Year designation is awarded to educators who demonstrate excellence in instruction, foster meaningful relationships with students, and make significant contributions to their schools.

The El Dorado Education Foundation’s Outstanding Educator award further recognizes Johnson’s dedication to academic achievement and her role in creating a supportive and engaging learning environment for students.

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School leaders said Johnson’s passion for education and commitment to student success make her a deserving recipient of both honors.

The El Dorado School District congratulated Johnson on the achievement and thanked her for the lasting impact she continues to make in the lives of students and throughout the district.

EL DORADO — Union County has achieved certification as an ACT Work Ready Community, a designation that recognizes the county’s commitment to workforce development and economic growth.

The certification, awarded on May 28, highlights efforts by local employers, educators, workforce partners, and community leaders to strengthen the region’s workforce and better connect businesses with qualified job candidates.

The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce announced the achievement, calling it an important milestone for the county’s economic development efforts. The ACT Work Ready Communities initiative is designed to help communities build a skilled workforce by measuring and improving workplace skills while providing employers with reliable information about the talent available in their local labor market.

Community leaders say the designation demonstrates Union County’s focus on preparing residents for in-demand careers and supporting existing businesses while attracting new investment to the area.

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The certification is expected to provide benefits for both job seekers and employers. Workers can showcase verified workplace skills to potential employers, while businesses gain access to data that helps identify qualified candidates for open positions.

Chamber officials thanked the many organizations and individuals who contributed to the effort, including local employers, schools, workforce development partners, and community stakeholders.

The ACT Work Ready Community designation is intended to support stronger workforce development, stronger businesses, and a stronger overall community.

Local leaders say the achievement reflects a shared commitment to building a more competitive workforce and creating new opportunities for economic growth throughout Union County.

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EL DORADO – Residents across the Four State Region should prepare for the first significant heat of the season as temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-90s on Monday, with humidity making conditions feel even hotter.

According to the National Weather Service in Shreveport, there is a medium to high probability that daytime high temperatures will reach 95 degrees or warmer across much of the region. Forecasters say some locations have a 75 percent or greater chance of reaching the 95-degree mark.

When combined with high humidity levels, heat index values are expected to range between 100 and 105 degrees during the afternoon hours. The National Weather Service has placed much of the area under a Moderate to Major HeatRisk, indicating an increased risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for those spending extended periods outdoors.

Cities across the region, including Texarkana, Shreveport, Tyler, Monroe, and surrounding communities, are expected to experience the hottest conditions during the afternoon and early evening hours.

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Meteorologists encourage residents to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, and take frequent breaks in air-conditioned or shaded locations. Officials also recommend checking on elderly family members, young children, and pets, who are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat.

The National Weather Service reminds residents to be aware of the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and to seek medical attention immediately if serious symptoms develop.

The hot and humid conditions are expected to persist through much of Monday before any potential relief arrives later in the week.

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EL DORADO — Families across South Arkansas will have access to free meals for children this summer as area school districts continue participating in summer nutrition programs designed to ensure students have access to healthy food while school is out of session.

The El Dorado School District has announced two options for families during June and July 2026. Children 18 years old and younger may receive free breakfast and lunch at El Dorado High School Monday through Thursday. Breakfast will be served from 7:15 a.m. to 9 a.m., while lunch will be available from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The district is also offering a meal pickup option for families. Parents and guardians can pick up five days’ worth of breakfast and lunch meals for children under 18 each Monday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Pickup will take place at 2525 Parnell Road, located behind El Dorado High School.

School officials emphasize that all children 18 and younger are eligible to receive meals at no cost, and there are no income requirements to participate in the program.

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The summer meal initiative is part of a broader effort by school districts throughout the region to help address food insecurity and ensure students continue receiving nutritious meals during the summer months.

District officials encourage families planning to participate in the pickup program to complete the registration form in advance to help streamline distribution and ensure adequate meal preparation.

The program will remain available throughout June and July, providing a valuable resource for families while students are away from the classroom for summer break.

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