CAMDEN – The District Court of Camden and Ouachita County, in partnership with the City of Camden, is offering residents a chance to clear misdemeanor warrants without the risk of arrest during a special Amnesty Night Court session on Tuesday, May 27.

The event will begin at 5 p.m. at the Camden District Court, located at 109A Goodgame Street. Judge Daren Nelson will preside over the evening session, which aims to provide a second chance to individuals with outstanding misdemeanor warrants.

Organizers are calling the event a “Get Out of Jail Free” opportunity, encouraging citizens to resolve their legal matters voluntarily and without fear of immediate consequences.

Those wishing to participate are asked to visit or contact the court in advance to schedule their appearance. Residents can call the District Court at 870-836-0331 or the District Court Probation Office at 870-836-8544. When calling or visiting, participants must mention the word “AMNESTY” to be scheduled for the May 27 session.

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The initiative is being supported by Camden Mayor Charlotte Oliver Young and Ouachita County Judge Robert McAdoo.

Officials said the effort is designed as a blessing to the community and a proactive way to help residents address outstanding legal issues in a constructive and supportive environment.

ARKADELPHIA – Ouachita Baptist University has announced its President’s List for the Spring 2025 semester, with several students from South Arkansas communities, including El Dorado, Camden, and Magnolia, earning top academic honors.

From El Dorado, Joseph Bolin, Kasey Dumas, Addrie Gray, Caroline Meadows and Levi Shaffer were named to the prestigious list, which recognizes full-time undergraduate students who earned a 4.0 GPA while completing at least 12 academic hours with no incomplete or failing grades.

Marissa Hearnsberger of Camden also earned a spot on the list, representing her community with academic excellence.

Magnolia was represented by Abby Harrington and Troi Kacsir, both of whom achieved perfect grade point averages for the semester.

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Other area students who earned President’s List recognition include Hannah Hickman of Smackover and Abbi Wood of Harrell.

In total, 471 students from across Arkansas, the United States, and around the world were named to the Spring 2025 President’s List at Ouachita, a Christian liberal arts university in Arkadelphia. The university, now in its 139th year, was named the best private college in Arkansas by AY Magazine in 2024.

For more information about Ouachita Baptist University and its academic programs, visit www.obu.edu.

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CAMDEN — The Ouachita County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed that Glenn Matthew George, 61, of Camden, who was reported missing on May 16, has been found deceased.

George was last seen near the Hansons Gravel Company in the Eagle Mills area. After several days of extensive search efforts by law enforcement and volunteers, his body was discovered on May 20 in a wooded area just east of the gravel company.

Personnel from the Ouachita County Sheriff’s Department who were familiar with George were able to make a preliminary identification at the scene. The body will be sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for official confirmation and to determine the cause of death.

The Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Division is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding George’s death.

Chief Deputy Larry McMahen issued a statement offering condolences to George’s family and friends, and thanked the community, volunteers, and partner agencies who assisted in the search. Further details will be released as the investigation continues.

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LITTLE ROCK — The National Weather Service has issued Tornado Watch #303 for a wide portion of Arkansas, including Ouachita and Calhoun counties. The watch is in effect until 8:00 p.m. CDT as atmospheric conditions across the region remain favorable for severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes.

Residents in the affected areas should be prepared for rapidly changing weather and take time now to review safety plans. Forecasters warn that storms may also produce large hail and damaging wind gusts in addition to the tornado threat.

Emergency management officials in both counties are urging the public to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, including NOAA Weather Radio, mobile apps, and local news updates.

If a tornado warning is issued for your area, take shelter immediately in a safe location—preferably an interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building away from windows.

The tornado watch covers a wide swath of eastern and southern Arkansas and comes amid an active week of severe weather for the region. Residents should stay weather-aware and closely monitor the situation through the evening.

EL DORADO — Following a night of destructive storms across parts of western Arkansas, residents in South Arkansas, Northern Louisiana, and East Texas are being warned of continued severe weather threats throughout the day.

According to the National Weather Service in Shreveport, a Level 2 out of 5 severe weather risk is in effect from this morning through late afternoon. The highest threat for severe thunderstorms exists along and east of the I-49 and I-30 corridors, including areas near El Dorado, Ruston, and Monroe.

Potential hazards from today’s storms include damaging wind gusts exceeding 60 miles per hour, large hail up to quarter size or larger, and the possibility of a brief tornado.

“Residents should have multiple ways to receive severe weather warnings today,” officials advised. “Conditions are favorable for storms to rapidly intensify.”

The renewed threat comes just hours after tornadoes touched down in parts of Northwest Arkansas. A large tornado struck eastern Sebastian County Monday night, touching down north of Greenwood before tracking across Fort Chaffee and into the Barling area. Another tornado caused widespread damage on the south side of Fayetteville near Greenland.

No immediate reports of injuries have been released, but damage assessments are ongoing in the affected areas.

Residents across South Arkansas are urged to remain alert, monitor weather updates, and take shelter if warnings are issued.