EL DORADO – The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce is partnering with LifeShare Blood Center to host a community blood drive on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The event will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chamber offices, located at 111 W. Main Street in downtown El Dorado.

Under the theme “Give the Spice of Life,” the blood drive aims to encourage residents to donate and help save lives during a critical time of year when blood supplies often run low.

As a thank-you, every donor will receive a free pass to the Chamber’s popular Business After Hours networking event, giving participants an opportunity to connect with local professionals and business leaders.

Organizers say the need for blood donors is especially urgent during the summer months, when donation rates typically decline but demand remains steady.

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For more information about the blood drive or to learn how to participate, contact the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce or visit LifeShare.org. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged.

SHREVEPORT — The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a forecast for scattered thunderstorms expected to develop this afternoon across parts of the Ark-La-Tex region. Residents are urged to remain weather-aware, as brief heavy downpours and lightning may accompany these storms.

Today’s high temperatures are forecast to reach between 85 and 90 degrees, with southwest winds around 10 mph helping to fuel the unsettled weather conditions. The storms are expected to remain scattered, meaning not all areas will see rainfall, but localized storm activity could be strong at times.

The National Weather Service encourages residents to monitor local updates throughout the day and to take proper precautions if storms approach.

For the latest weather information stay with South Arkansas Now.

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EL DORADO — The City of El Dorado is currently seeking applicants to fill an open seat on the Historic District Commission, a vital committee responsible for preserving and promoting the city’s architectural and cultural heritage.

Community members who have an interest in historic preservation and city development are encouraged to apply. The Historic District Commission plays a key role in shaping the visual character of El Dorado’s historic areas and ensuring responsible stewardship of local landmarks.

The deadline to apply is Monday, July 14, 2025, by 5:00 p.m.

Those interested in serving can obtain more information by contacting City Clerk Heather McVay at 870-881-4877 or via email at cityclerk@eldoradoar.org.

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The city welcomes diverse applicants and encourages anyone passionate about El Dorado’s history and community development to step forward and apply.

CAMDEN — The Camden/Ouachita County Public Library has kicked off its 2025 Summer Reading Club with a lively lineup of educational and entertaining events aimed at engaging children and families throughout the summer.

Under the theme “Color Our World,” the program offers a wide variety of interactive presentations every Tuesday at 2:00 p.m., showcasing wildlife, storytelling, magic, and more. The schedule is designed to keep young readers inspired and involved during the summer break.

Here’s what’s coming up on the schedule:

• June 18 @ 2:00 p.m. – Delta Rivers Nature Center will present a program featuring nature and wildlife.
• June 25 @ 2:00 p.m. – Animalogy will bring a wide variety of animals for an up-close experience.
• July 2 @ 2:00 p.m. – Marty Boone, also known as the Balloon Man, will perform a fun-filled magic show.
• July 9 @ 2:00 p.m. – Bar-R Farms returns with a petting zoo that children are sure to enjoy.
• July 16 @ 2:00 p.m. – Storyteller Cindy Phillips will close out the series with a performance of classic folk tales.

Earlier this month, Logoly State Park kicked off the program on June 11 with a presentation on reptiles.

All events are free and open to the public. The library encourages families across Ouachita County to attend and help foster a love for reading in children of all ages. For more information, contact the Camden/Ouachita County Public Library directly.

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EL DORADO – An 81-year-old man from Smackover was killed Tuesday morning in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of State Highway 7 and Pershing Highway, according to the Arkansas State Police.

Huey Lane Green, 81, was pronounced dead at the scene following the collision, which occurred around 10:55 a.m. Green was driving a 2007 Pontiac eastbound and had pulled onto the shoulder at the intersection before attempting to make a left turn across the southbound lane of traffic. His vehicle was struck on the left side by a 2005 Chevrolet, also traveling south on Highway 7.

Two other individuals were injured in the crash. Tristen Dewayne Peebles, 22, of Camden, the driver of the Chevrolet, and Joey Allen Williams, 39, of Ward, a passenger in Green’s vehicle, were transported to South Arkansas Regional Hospital for treatment.

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Conditions at the time of the crash were clear and dry. Green’s body is being held at Young’s Funeral Home. Next of kin have been notified.

The crash remains under investigation by Arkansas State Police Trooper Logan Holmes.