EL DORADO – As the school year winds down and summer break begins, the El Dorado Police Department is reminding local youth and families about the city’s juvenile curfew ordinance.

The ordinance applies to all individuals under the age of 18 and sets specific hours during which minors are not allowed in public spaces without adult supervision.

Curfew hours are enforced as follows:

• Sunday through Thursday nights: 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
• Friday and Saturday nights: 12:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Officers encourage families to talk with their teens and ensure they are aware of the curfew times to avoid any violations. The department’s reminder comes as part of a broader effort to keep youth safe during the summer months, when many teens have more free time and stay out later.

“Enjoy your summer and be safe,” the department emphasized in its announcement.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to help reinforce the ordinance and stay informed about their children’s whereabouts during nighttime hours. The curfew is intended to promote community safety and reduce juvenile-related incidents during late-night hours.

For more information or questions about the ordinance, residents may contact the El Dorado Police Department.

WEST MONROE  — Phil Robertson, the bearded patriarch who rose to fame as the spiritual and outspoken head of the “Duck Dynasty” family, has passed away, according to a statement released by his family.

Robertson, remembered as a father, husband, grandfather and bold man of faith, died surrounded by loved ones. The family shared that he is now “with the Lord,” a comforting affirmation consistent with Robertson’s lifelong commitment to sharing the gospel.

“He reminded us often of the words of Paul, ‘you do not grieve like those who have no hope,’” the Robertson family wrote in a tribute. “For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”

A former star athlete turned duck call inventor, Robertson became a household name through the hit A&E reality show “Duck Dynasty,” which chronicled the lives of the deeply religious, Louisiana-based Robertson family and their business, Duck Commander. Known for his camouflage attire, rugged outdoorsman persona, and unwavering Christian beliefs, Robertson gained a national platform and used it to share his testimony.

“Thank you for the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life,” the family said. “We are grateful for his life on earth and will continue the legacy of love for God and love for others until we see him again.”

The Robertson family cited 1st Corinthians 2 in their message, reflecting Phil’s devotion to Scripture and his mission to live and lead by faith. Details about memorial services have not yet been announced.

El DORADO – Following up on their announcement during the Symphony on the Square, the El Dorado Union County Chamber of Commerce released the details about bringing back the 4th of July Fireworks show. The free fireworks show had long been a staple of 4th of July celebrations in South Arkansas. Burn bans due to drought conditions, budgetary restrictions, and sometimes just lack of volunteers had stopped the spectacular a number of years ago. A press release from the Chamber says:

It’s Showtime in the Sky – We’re Bringing Back the Boom!

Join us Friday, July 4 at the Union County Fairgrounds for El Dorado’s Independence Day celebration, brought to you by the El Dorado Union County Chamber of Commerce and the City of El Dorado. Gates open at 7:30 PM, with a patriotic ceremony at 8 PM and fireworks lighting up the sky around 9 PM. Enjoy music by DJ Bmoe, a community-wide flag wave, and the Patriotic Car Decorating Contest. Tailgate with friends and celebrate fun, and community. Thanks to our generous sponsors: Murphy USA, LSB Industries, Standard Lithium, First Financial Bank, RightFiber, Diversified Services, and Mac’s Tree Service.

EL DORADO – El Dorado School District announced a retirement celebration for Athletic Director Phillip Lansdell. “In honor of Phillip Lansdell, a true leader and mentor. We look forward to celebrating his legacy and wishing him all the best in his retirement.”

Lansdell, a graduate of Southern Arkansas University has received countless awards during his tenure as Athletic Director, including the 2024 Distinguished Service Award from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and the Arkansas High School Athletic Administrators Association. Earlier this year he was named the Class 5A Athletic Director of the Year. Coach Lansdell’s retirement marks the conclusion of a 43-year career in education and athletics. Lansdell has spent 35 years at El Dorado, first joining the district in 1990 as the baseball coach before transitioning into administrative roles. He later became the principal at Hugh Goodwin Elementary before taking over as the Wildcats’ athletic director following the retirement of Mike Bender. Under Lansdell’s leadership, El Dorado’s athletic programs have achieved sustained success, winning 41 conference championships, 17 state titles, and earning 10 state runner-up finishes. His tenure also saw significant facility upgrades, including the installation of turf at Memorial Stadium and the construction of a new high school athletic facility.

Before arriving at El Dorado, Lansdell began his coaching career at Converse High School in Louisiana after graduating from Southern Arkansas University. He guided the Wildcats to a state baseball championship in 1986 before returning to SAU to work on his master’s degree. He then took the El Dorado baseball job, beginning a long tenure that would shape the school’s athletic success. The celebration is set for Wednesday, May 28th, 2025 from 11:30 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. as a drop-in event at the El Dorado School District Administration Building, located at 200 West Oak Street.

EL DORADO – In a press release ProMed Ambulance celebrated their recent recognition as a Pediatric Ready Ambulance Service.

“ProMed Ambulance is proud to announce its official recognition as a Pediatric Ready Ambulance Service by the Arkansas Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) program. This designation places ProMed among the top 5% of ambulance providers in the state and makes it the only service in South Arkansas to receive this distinction. Achieving the Pediatric Ready status reflects ProMed’s steadfast commitment to providing high-quality, age-appropriate emergency care for children in every community we serve. The designation was made possible through the leadership of ProMed Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator John Burdue and the tireless efforts of the entire clinical and administrative team.
What This Recognition Means for the Community:
* **Enhanced Pediatric Training:** – All frontline EMS personnel have completed specialized training in pediatric emergency care, ensuring clinical excellence in high-stress situations involving children.

* **Pediatric Equipment Standards:** – Every ProMed ambulance meets or exceeds state requirements for pediatric-specific equipment and medications.

* **Dedicated Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator:** – Oversight and continuous improvement in pediatric care protocols are led by a designated clinical leader focused solely on the unique needs of children.

**Community Trust and Readiness:** – Families can rest assured that ProMed teams are trained, equipped, and ready to respond to all emergencies — from the smallest infants to growing adolescents.

**Statewide Leadership:** – As a top 5% provider, ProMed is helping set the bar for pediatric EMS excellence across Arkansas.”

“We are deeply honored to receive this designation,” said Ken Kelley, President and CEO of ProMed Ambulance. “This achievement represents our team’s ongoing dedication to excellence and our responsibility to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities — our children.”

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