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Investments, legislative audits, and a packed agenda brought to the El Dorado mayor and city council

Published

1 year ago

February 14, 2025

Staff Reports

South Arkansas College President Dr. Stephanie Tully-Dartez addressed the El Dorado City Council during their latest meeting.

Image above: South Arkansas College President Dr. Stephanie Tully-Dartez addressed the El Dorado City Council during their latest meeting.

This is Part One in a series covering the most recent El Dorado City Council Meeting: From huge announcements about investments into the city to the latest findings by the legislative audit, Mayor Choate and Council wade through packed agenda.

EL DORADO – The El Dorado Mayor and City Council met in regular session Thursday evening and while the agenda didn’t look like “more than the usual,” it was packed full of information. Following the prayer, led by Ward Three Alderman Willie McGhee, and the pledge of allegiance, Mayor Paul Choate reminded the audience that the city’s offices would be closed on Monday, February 17th for the Federal Holiday of President’s Day. He also reminded them that non-emergency services like sanitation would run one day later next week.

13 WAYS TO KILL YOUR COMMUNITY

The Mayor and City Council recently attended the Arkansas Municipal League’s 2025 Winter Conference. One of the speakers at this meeting was Doug Griffiths, who along with Kelly Clemmer, penned a humorous political book called “13 Ways To Kill Your Community.” The book begins with the line, “Let’s suppose you have a really ambitious goal in life – you want to kill your community! You want to drive away people, eliminate jobs, undermine businesses, and you won’t quit until the whole place is in ruins. Don’t know how to go about it? You’re in luck – here is a handy manual, chock-full of proven ideas, for the up-and-coming town wrecker. This is the book for you!” The book goes on to chapters like: “Don’t Have Quality Water,” “Ignore Your Youth,” “Don’t Cooperate,” “Live In The Past” and so on. All meant to be a funny take on what NOT to do if you want your community to grow. Mayor Choate said he was so impressed with the speech by Mr. Griffiths, that he decided to purchase the book for all eight of the council members. Each member found a copy sitting in front of them when they arrived for the meeting. The books were purchased locally at the bookstore 1988 on the Union County Square.

EL DORADO WINS

The third and final reading of two required ordinances prior to the voters decision on the city’s proposal to continue a one percent sales tax and using the funds to further progress and operate the city were next on the agenda. Those readings, normally, are a formality for any entity. However, Ward Three’s other Alderman, Andre Rucks spoke and said, “I want to go on the record because people have been asking me why I am voting no to these readings on this tax. I am a progressive minded person and actually I love the tax. What I am wanting to point out is that the distribution of those dollars needs to be discussed.” He also added, “We still have $24 Million that we have collected from the current tax and now we are asking voters to continue or put a new tax in place of that one for another $60 Million. We need to be sure how that is allocated.” Rucks thanked the Mayor for a recent discussion the two of them had that Rucks said, “It was two hours of really talking, not arguing, just talking. I see where he (the Mayor) is coming from and he knows where I am coming from and I just want us to be sure that those in charge of distribution are listening to everyone in the community and not just the elites. We need to know the heart of the board. Because those members of the board handing that money out may not have been raised the way you were. I want to be sure they have a heart for the masses.” The Mayor followed Rucks’ comments with a heartfelt thanks to the alderman, saying, “Mr. Rucks is right, we did have a good two hour discussion and I want to say to you Mr. Rucks, I appreciate you and I appreciate your attitude.” The two ordinances were then entered into the record for a third and final time. The Mayor and Council reminded the audience of three upcoming town hall style meetings the El Dorado WINS committee has planned.(1) Thursday, February 18th at El Dorado’s Municipal Auditorium beginning at 6:00 p.m. (2) Wednesday, February 26th at the El Dorado Conference Center beginning at 6:00 p.m. (3) Thursday, March 6th at the Murmil Education Center beginning 6:00 p.m.

HUGE INVESTMENTS, BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE

Next on the agenda, the Council heard from Sara Coffman of the El Dorado Works Board. This is the entity in charge of bringing to the Council items for which they wish to use funds generated from a previously approved 1% sales tax.

Coffman said the Board had a “fun meeting Tuesday night.” Adding that they too had a packed agenda. Coffman presented the Council with their first request for $27,500 to have a “Master Plan” drawn up for the City’s Parks and Playground Commission. That item was approved unanimously 7-0 with Ward Two Alderman Vance Williamson being absent from the meeting.

The Board then recommended to the Council, for their approval, of $51,000 to the El Dorado – Union County Chamber of Commerce. An annual amount the city has previously approved, aiding the Chamber in their outreach efforts in marketing the city to prospective commercial and industrial partners. Kaitlyn Rigdon, the Chamber’s Economic Development Project Manager made herself available to the Council for questions. Alderman Rucks asked her, “So, this $51,000, what is it used for?” Rigdon said the monies were generally allocated towards the Chamber’s efforts in reaching out to potential employers, advertising and marketing the available properties in the city and county. She also said that a portion of the money was used on projects the Chamber is working in conjunction with the State of Arkansas and their economic development teams. “We currently have eleven on-going projects with the State and some of that money is being earmarked towards those projects.” Retiring Chamber President and CEO, Bill Luther, was in attendance and he said, “The Chamber always has a number of ongoing projects with the State but per their regulations we aren’t allowed to discuss those.” Rucks followed up with a question, “What is the Chamber doing for the youth? Are we talking to bowling alleys or anything geared toward the youth in the community?” Luther said, “That is always a top priority for us.” He then pointed to the addition of the play zone known as Excalibur and their services for the young of the community.” That request was funded by unanimous vote.

Coffman then moved to a request for almost $6 Million to South Arkansas College to expand their current stadium facilities construction project from a standard collegiate baseball stadium to a Diamond Sports Stadium. The term is a distinction that separates normal run-of-the-mill baseball parks from facilities that have multiple uses. The Mayor pointed the Council to a copy of the proposal, which was put together by South Arkansas College President Dr. Stephanie Tully-Dartez. Tully-Dartez initially served in the interim role as President beginning in the 2023-24 school year, then in July of 2024 accepted the position and removed the interim title. She and her husband, Shawn, moved to El Dorado in 2007 and she has held numerous positions with the college since 2009. Tully-Dartez made herself available to the Council and was met with immediate praise for her presentation she had made to the El Dorado Works Board. Ward One Alderman Jill Weinischke said, “I am ready to submit a motion now for approval of this.” Ward Four Alderman Buddy McAdams said, “You may have to fight me for the right to make this motion, this is exciting and I think it is a fabulous plan.” McAdams also said, “We would be remiss if we didn’t mention that the first $10 Million for this project is coming from Murphy Oil. So here, we have an opportunity to partner with private dollars and make this more than just a stadium but an economic draw for our community.” Council Members asked Tully-Dartez if this meant the facility would be available for more than just college baseball with this new designation. “Absolutely!” Tully-Dartez said, “We think the idea of having high school or Boys and Girls Club teams playing on a college field will be great for them and the community.” She said, in her estimation, the facility would be available for more than just baseball games. “I think we could see flag football games, cheer competitions and more. As a matter of fact, I saw where the University of Arkansas’ Baseball complex was recently rented out for a wedding, so we could have weddings there too!”

COMING TOMORROW ON SOUTHARKANSASNOW.COM: $25 Million in Construction? According to South Arkansas College, that is what they are currently working on. The Council also had more funding requests, as well as, the Mayor’s Constitutionally Required State of City Address and Updates on the State’s Legislative Audit Findings.

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El Dorado School District To Offer Free Breakfast, Elementary School Supplies

Published

8 hours ago

July 22, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO, Ark. — As families prepare for the start of a new school year, the El Dorado School District is working to ease some of the financial burden by providing free meals and classroom supplies for students.

District officials announced that all El Dorado School District students will receive free breakfast during the upcoming school year. In addition, students in kindergarten through fourth grade will receive free instructional school supplies, helping ensure they have the materials they need on the first day of class.

The district says the initiative is part of its ongoing commitment to supporting families, removing barriers to learning and helping every student begin the school year ready for success.

By providing essential resources such as breakfast and classroom supplies, school leaders hope students can focus on learning rather than worrying about basic needs.

The district encourages families to take advantage of the programs as they make final preparations for the new school year.

“At ESD, Every Student Deserves a great start,” the district said in announcing the back-to-school support initiatives.

News

City of El Dorado Seeks Applicants For Airport Commission

Published

8 hours ago

July 22, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — The City of El Dorado is accepting applications from residents interested in serving on the El Dorado Airport Commission.

City officials are seeking qualified applicants to fill a position on the commission, which helps provide oversight and guidance for the operation and future development of South Arkansas Regional Airport at Goodwin Field.

Those interested in serving are encouraged to submit an application before the 5 p.m. deadline on Thursday, Aug. 20.

Residents who would like more information about the position or the application process can contact City Clerk Heather McVay at 870-881-4877 or by email at [email protected].

The City of El Dorado encourages community members who are interested in contributing to the future of local aviation and economic development to apply.

News

Heat Advisory Continues For South Arkansas Counties

Published

8 hours ago

July 22, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Dangerous heat will continue across South Arkansas today, with the National Weather Service warning that heat index values could climb as high as 109 to 115 degrees in some locations.

Much of Union County and the surrounding South Arkansas region, including El Dorado, remains under a Heat Advisory, while areas farther south and west across East Texas and northern Louisiana are under an Extreme Heat Warning.

Afternoon high temperatures are expected to reach the upper 90s to lower 100s, but the combination of heat and humidity will make it feel significantly hotter.

The National Weather Service says prolonged exposure to these conditions can quickly lead to heat-related illnesses, especially for older adults, young children, people with chronic health conditions and anyone working or exercising outdoors.

Residents are encouraged to:

Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the afternoon.
Stay in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible, as fans alone may not provide enough cooling during extreme heat.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing if spending time outside.

Officials also remind residents to check on neighbors, relatives and pets during the prolonged stretch of dangerous heat and never leave children or animals unattended in vehicles.

The heat advisory remains in effect through this evening, with forecasters expecting another round of dangerously hot conditions later this week.

News

El Dorado Business Leader Madison Murphy to Receive Statewide Leadership in Free Enterprise Award

Published

1 day ago

July 21, 2026

Sandy Sanford

Madison Murphy being honored as tourism person of the year at the Governor's Conference on Tourism. Photo from GoElDorado.com

LITTLE ROCK, AR – Throughout his career, Madison Murphy has earned a reputation as one of Arkansas’ most respected business leaders, with decades of service spanning corporate leadership, education, philanthropy, and the arts. This fall, that legacy will be recognized on a statewide stage.

The El Dorado native has been named one of two recipients of the Leadership in Free Enterprise Award, presented by Economics Arkansas, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing economic and personal finance education across the state.

Murphy graduated from Hendrix College in Conway in 1980 with a degree in economics and business administration before returning to El Dorado to begin his career with Murphy Oil Corporation as a junior accountant. He quickly advanced through the company’s ranks, serving as a junior auditor and associate auditor before accepting international assignments in London, England, with Murphy Eastern Oil and in New Orleans, Louisiana, with Murphy’s Ocean Drilling and Exploration Company.

Despite opportunities abroad, Murphy chose to return home in 1988, joining Murphy Oil as vice president of planning. Over the years, he held several executive leadership positions, including treasurer, chief financial and administrative officer, and ultimately chairman of the board. He continues to serve as a member of the Murphy Oil Board of Directors.

Beyond Murphy Oil, his leadership has extended across Arkansas’ business and civic landscape. Murphy served for a decade on the Arkansas Highway Commission, spent more than 11 years on the board of BancorpSouth, and also served on the board of Deltic Timber Corporation.

He is a founding member of the Murphy Arts District (MAD), co-owner of Presqu’ile Winery, president of the Murphy Foundation, and has served as chairman of the board of Murphy USA since the company’s 2013 spinoff from Murphy Oil.

Economics Arkansas selected Murphy for the Leadership in Free Enterprise Award in recognition of his commitment to promoting the principles and success of free enterprise throughout Arkansas.

Formerly known as the Arkansas Council on Economic Education, Economics Arkansas equips PreK-12 educators with the training and classroom resources needed to teach economics and personal finance. The organization believes that preparing teachers creates a multiplier effect, allowing generations of Arkansas students to gain practical financial knowledge and a stronger understanding of the marketplace.

Murphy will be honored during the organization’s annual awards ceremony on Nov. 4 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Little Rock. Also receiving recognition that evening will be Walter Hussman Jr., chairman of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Tickets for the event are $125 and may be purchased online or by calling 501-682-4230.

Featured

Murphy-Pitard Jewelers Joins Downtown El Dorado’s Christmas in July Celebration

Published

1 day ago

July 21, 2026

Jax Sanford

EL DORADO, Ark. – Christmas is coming early to historic downtown El Dorado as Murphy-Pitard Jewelers invites the community to celebrate the Christmas in July festivities, taking place Thursday, July 23, through Saturday, July 25.

Following the success of last year’s event, Murphy-Pitard is bringing the celebration back with an even greater focus on festive fun, holiday planning, and the excitement of brand-new jewelry arrivals.

Throughout the three-day event, customers will have the opportunity to get a first look at the store’s newest collections, recently hand-selected at market, while shopping the best selection before the holiday season begins.

“The response to Christmas in July last year was incredible, and we couldn’t wait to bring it back,” said Amanda Pitard, owner of Murphy-Pitard Jewelers. “It’s such a fun way to celebrate with our community, introduce the new pieces we found at market, help customers start their Christmas wish lists early, and remind everyone it’s never too early to start planning for the holidays. Whether you’re beginning your Christmas shopping or simply enjoying the festivities downtown, we hope you’ll stop in and celebrate with us.”

Guests can enjoy holiday treats, festive decorations, Christmas music, and plenty of Christmas cheer while exploring the store’s newest arrivals. Murphy-Pitard Jewelers is proud to join the Downtown Business Association and Main Street El Dorado, celebrating Christmas in July as downtown businesses spread holiday cheer with festive activities and create a fun shopping experience throughout historic downtown El Dorado.

Customers are encouraged to create their Christmas wish list during the event for a chance to win a $500 Murphy-Pitard Jewelers shopping spree through a special Christmas in July Wish & Win giveaway.

For the first time, Murphy-Pitard Jewelers is introducing a special Christmas layaway program during Christmas in July. The three-day offer allows customers to reserve gifts with 0% down, NO interest, and five equal monthly payments, making it easy to plan ahead for the holidays while securing the store’s newest arrivals. (Restrictions apply. See store for complete details.)

Additional highlights include Santa Savings, featuring select merchandise specially marked for the event, as well as a visit from Summer Santa on Saturday.

Murphy-Pitard Jewelers’ Christmas in July will take place during regular business hours:

Thursday- Friday, July 23- July 24: 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 25: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

For more information about Murphy-Pitard Jewelers, visit the store in historic downtown El Dorado, call (870) 863-8818, or follow Murphy-Pitard Jewelers on Facebook for event updates and sneak peeks of the newest arrivals.