News

FREE DRINKS FOR EVERYONE!

Published

1 year ago

May 9, 2025

Staff Reports

EL DORADO – Mayor Paul Choate and the City Council met in regular session Thursday. With all present and the preliminaries out of the way, Mayor Choate addressed the increasing amount of painted markings on roadways, yards, curbs and sidewalks. “In light of the kind of construction we are going to have going on in the community, for evidently some time there will be a lot of digging done, and you see a lot of paint down. I have a copy of this on the bulletin board if you don’t know what those spray painted colors are.” He directed the Council to their packets. According to AR811.org, the Arkansas 811 “Call Before You Dig” site, the colors are universal across most parts of the country and can be placed either by spray paint or colored flags, marking the location of utilities underground. Those colors and their meaning are:

RED: Electric Power Lines, Cables, Conduit and Lighting Cables
YELLOW: Gas, Oil, Steam, Petroleum or Gaseous Materials
ORANGE: Communication, Alarm or Signal Lines, Cables or Conduits
BLUE: Potable, Water
GREEN: Sewers and Drain Lines
PURPLE: Reclaimed Water, Irrigation and Slurry Lines
PINK: Temporary Survey Markings
WHITE: Proposed Excavation

The construction being referred to by the Mayor centers mostly around the fiber optic cables being buried inside the city. AT&T currently has operations happening in the city in multiple locations. However, two other companies are investing millions of dollars in fiber optic installation as well. RightFiber, a Jonesboro, Arkansas based fiber optic internet provider says their $5 Million expansion into El Dorado should be complete by the end of the summer 2025. Conway, Arkansas based TCW announced earlier this year, they will be investing $12 Million to bring fiber optic service to El Dorado. In addition to the investment, TCW plans to hire 15-20 local employees to serve the region. TCW says their work will begin in the current quarter of 2025 and should conclude by the end of the calendar year.

Free NARCAN Training

Jill Weinischke, Ward One Alderman, announced she will conduct two training seminars on NARCAN. “Next Monday (May 12th) here in the Council Chambers, there will be free NARCAN training and if you don’t know what NARCAN is, it’s a drug used to counteract an opioid overdose. You’ll get a kit with a couple of NARCAN nasal sprays in it, it’s free and it will be here at Noon and then again at 5:30 P.M. to accommodate work schedules.” Mayor Choate endorsed the training, saying he had been through it twice and the training takes about 45 minutes.

Mayor: “These are the kind of citizens we want!”

The Mayor then called on Morgan Wiley and asked her to come to the front. Speaking to the crowd and the Council, he said, “If you guys haven’t been to the North end of North West Avenue in the last couple of weeks, especially on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, we’ve got a new coffee shop here in town.” Then addressing Wiley and her regional manager Landon Evans, the Mayor said, “I don’t think you’ve sold a cup of coffee yet have you? But how many hundreds, if not thousands of cups have you given away?” Evans replied with, “Over 20,000.” which drew an applause from the gallery. “I’ll admit, I had never had a cup of 7 Brew Coffee until they got here. How do I endorse something I got for free? I’ve said it before, welcome to the community, this is an official welcome from the City Council. We are very happy to have you and as I told you this morning, your marketing is working.” Morgan replied with, “We are doing our training right now, so you might see quite a few folks outside. Starting tomorrow (Friday, May 9th,) we are doing our friends and family program, so we will be doing free small drinks once again. We did drink drops throughout the community about two weeks ago. Then last week we had free small drinks as well and we will continue that with our friends and family program.” Regional Manager, Evans said, “We call it our friends and family but you don’t have to be either, because we look at the entire community as our friends. So, starting tomorrow from 7:00 to 10:00 A.M. and then from 3:00 to 6:00 P.M. you can come through and we give free drinks to anyone, anything on the menu.” The offer is one per person, per vehicle and the program will continue Saturday, May 10th from 9:00 A.M. until 12:00 and then again from 2:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. The final day of the program will be Sunday and will take place from 10:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. In addition to the free coffee, the offer extends to all menu drink items which includes smoothies, shakes, and tea. Thus far, 7 Brew has hired about 60 new employees, many of whom are high school and college students that were looking for part time work. Last weekend, 7 Brew did not charge anything for drinks but did accept donations for a local charity. They chose the South Arkansas Children’s Coalition and collected more than $5,700 for the charity.

Moving Forward, Council Approves Land Purchase

Moving to the agenda item labeled as New Business, the Mayor told the Council, “The Mt. Holly Water Treatment Plant, I’m pretty sure everyone here knows where that is, on Mt. Holly just outside of the city. Well, our water treatment plant sits on property we do not own. When it was built decades ago, there was never a transfer of deed for the property, nor was there a purchase price.” According to the Mayor, the owners of the property have been paying taxes on the eight plus acres since the construction of the treatment facility and now would like to sell that property to the City of El Dorado. The offer is to allow the city to purchase the 8.58 acres for $51,480. “I can tell you, they are being very kind.” Mayor Choate told the Council. He said a survey of the property was currently being done and once the survey was deemed to be in order he would like the Council’s approval to purchase that property. Buddy McAdams, Alderman for Ward Four, said, “Mayor, we would have already paid this much in rent.” Ward Two Alderman, Vance Williamson, made the motion with multiple seconds and the vote passed unanimously.

Parks & Playgrounds and Civil Service Commissions

In other business, the Council approved the reappointment of A.J. Kemp to the City’s Parks and Playgrounds Commission. The Mayor also announced that the El Dorado Civil Service Commission had an opening and encouraged anyone interested in serving, to reach out to City Clerk Heather McVay.

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News

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

Published

50 minutes 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

52 minutes 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

1 hour 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

21 hours 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

24 hours 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.