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.

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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.

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.

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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.”

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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.

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EL DORADO — The El Dorado School District has announced the names of 20 juniors selected to represent El Dorado High School at this summer’s Arkansas Boys State and Arkansas Girls State programs.

The distinguished students, all members of the Class of 2026, will join peers from across the state in week-long leadership and civic engagement experiences focused on mock government, public service, and political participation.

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The seven students chosen for Arkansas Boys State are Tim Alford, Connor Jennings, Schuler Sewell, Isaiah Robinson, Spencer Langston, Jerome Brown, and Joseph Potts.

Thirteen students will attend Arkansas Girls State: Serene Blackwell, Zoey Walker, MacKenzie Clark, Zoe Edmonds, Kelly Hayden, Ainsley Colvin, Cameron Winkenwerder, Sadie Buchanan, Elaina Rodriguez, Aspen Preston, Samantha Huddleston, and Lillian Primm.

The Boys State and Girls State programs allow students to campaign for mock offices, write and debate legislation, and learn directly from state leaders and public officials. Participants gain hands-on experience in leadership, teamwork, and the democratic process.

The El Dorado School District extended gratitude to the community sponsors who helped make the students’ participation possible, including Delek, The Mason Foundation, Perry Funeral Chapel, Paul Choate, El Dorado High School Student Council, Rosenberg, El Dorado Glass, Diane Murfee, Lankford MD, Rodney Landes, Sewell Oil, Bob and Charolette Watson, Sonic, Mike Dumas, Mike and Phena Loftin, VFW, Angi Neal, and the EHS Photo Cats.

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District officials said the support from local donors is critical in helping El Dorado students access enriching experiences that promote civic responsibility and leadership development.

CROSSETT — Law enforcement agencies across several South Arkansas counties are warning residents about a scam in which callers falsely claim individuals have missed a court date.

The Ashley County Sheriff’s Office reports that residents are receiving phone calls from individuals posing as law enforcement officers. The scammers claim the person has failed to appear in court and may urge them to provide personal information or pay a fine to avoid further legal trouble.

Authorities stress that sheriff’s offices will never contact individuals by phone to demand money or threaten arrest for missing court. Residents are urged not to share any personal or financial information and to hang up immediately if they receive such a call.

Anyone who receives a suspicious call is encouraged to contact their local sheriff’s office. In Ashley County, the Sheriff’s Office can be reached at (870) 853-9444.

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Officials remind residents to remain vigilant and report any scam activity to help prevent others from becoming victims.