EL DORADO, Ark. — Tractor Supply announced it will close 75 of its 209 Petsense locations nationwide as part of an effort to focus on its strongest-performing stores.

During the company’s latest earnings call, executives said the closures are tied to underperforming locations. Six of Arkansas’ nine Petsense stores are expected to close, including locations in Searcy, Beebe, Jacksonville, Pine Bluff, Fayetteville, and El Dorado.

Despite the closures, company officials emphasized that Petsense remains a key part of Tractor Supply’s long-term strategy to serve pet owners and rural communities. Executives pointed to the company’s recent acquisitions of Allivet, an online animal pharmacy, and VIP Petcare, a mobile veterinary care provider, as evidence of its continued investment in pet care, livestock wellness, and rural living services.

Petsense was founded in 2005 with a focus on serving smaller, rural communities. Tractor Supply acquired the company in 2016, later rebranding the chain as Petsense by Tractor Supply.

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KENTUCKY LAKE, TN – On the eve of the biggest fishing tournament of their young lives, 12-year-old Ben Langley and 13-year-old Preston Phillips lean over the speaker of Ben’s mother’s iPhone, their voices carrying a mixture of excitement, confidence, and just a hint of nervousness.

In just a few hours, the two South Arkansas anglers will launch their boat onto Kentucky Lake to compete against the best youth bass fishermen in the country at the Bassmaster Junior National Championship. It’s a moment they have dreamed about, and one they earned with determination, skill, and a memorable day on the water six weeks ago.

That day began like so many others on Millwood Lake near Ashdown, Arkansas.

The boys were casting lures into lily pads when everything changed.

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Even now, they can replay every detail. They remember the exact spot. The exact lure. The exact strike. And the exact moment they realized they had done enough to qualify to represent the State of Arkansas on the national stage.

Their five-fish limit weighed an impressive 20.75 pounds, nearly three pounds ahead of the third-place team. The second-place finish secured their ticket to Kentucky Lake and a chance to compete for a national title.

Now, standing on the doorstep of that opportunity, they know nothing will come easy.

“We’ve had a hard time,” Preston admitted after several days of practice. “But we have a couple of spots locked in where we know we can catch some fish.”

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Ben echoed his partner’s optimism.

“Yeah, it’s been tough, but we found a couple of places where the fish are. We’ll definitely catch some out of there.”

That confidence will be tested on one of the nation’s premier bass fisheries.

Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series professional angler John Garrett said Kentucky Lake is fishing well, but success won’t come from simply following one pattern.

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“A little bit of everything is going to be going on,” Garrett said. “There isn’t going to be one obvious pattern to catch sizable bass. A three-pounder is going to be great, and anything over that is a big one.”

Garrett explained that summer bass are holding deeper than many anglers are accustomed to.

“Normally we fish from 12 to 20 feet of water. In July, they like to be in 20 to 30 feet. They’re harder to find because they sit on the edges of the breaks. The teams who find that will be well off.”

For Ben and Preston, the challenge is exactly what they’ve spent countless hours preparing for. Their countless days on Arkansas lakes have led them here, to a tournament where every cast could change their lives and where they have the chance to bring a national championship back home.

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Before heading to the water, the boys made it clear they didn’t make this journey alone. They expressed heartfelt gratitude to the businesses and supporters who helped make this opportunity possible, including Langley Oil, Smackover Motors, Honey Hole Tackle Shop, RATS, 4R Marketing, Country Village Sporting Goods, Hooked Outdoors, and Murphy Sumac Mart.

When the first cast is made this weekend, two young anglers won’t just be fishing for trophies. They’ll be representing their families, their hometowns, and the entire State of Arkansas, carrying with them the hopes of everyone who has cheered them on from that unforgettable day at Millwood Lake to the bright lights of the Bassmaster Junior National Championship.

EL DORADO, AR – South Arkansas has lost one of its most respected public servants with the passing of retired Union County District Judge George E. Van Hook Jr., a man whose decades of service left a lasting impact on the community and the local judicial system.

Ironically, Van Hook’s original career ambition had nothing to do with the law. His dream was to become an engineer and build bridges. That path changed when he learned of the critical shortage of Black attorneys in Arkansas, particularly in South Arkansas. Motivated by the opportunity to make a difference, he shifted his focus to law, a decision that would shape the lives of countless people for more than four decades.

Van Hook earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arkansas in 1970. He was immediately accepted into the University of Arkansas School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor in 1973. Later that year, he was admitted to the Arkansas Bar.

After graduation, Van Hook began his legal career in private practice in Pine Bluff. Although the opportunity was promising, his heart remained in El Dorado, the community where he was raised and graduated from Washington High School. Affectionately known as the “original Hornet,” a nod to the school’s former mascot, Van Hook returned home to begin what would become a remarkable career in public service.

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Upon his return, the newly established Union County District Court was presided over by Judge Edwin B. Alderson Jr., who recognized Van Hook’s talent and potential. Alderson invited him to serve as the court’s clerk and frequently entrusted him with presiding over court proceedings during his absence, providing invaluable experience that would prepare him for the bench.

Following Judge Alderson’s retirement in 1991, George E. Van Hook Jr. was elected to the position of district judge. Over the next 25 years, he became a familiar and respected figure in the courtroom, overseeing misdemeanor cases, traffic citations, small claims matters, bond hearings, and first appearances with fairness, professionalism, and compassion.

In 2016, citing his age and declining health, Van Hook announced he would not seek another term. As he concluded a distinguished judicial career, the City of El Dorado honored his legacy. On December 15, 2016, then-Mayor Frank Hash proclaimed the day as George E. Van Hook Jr. Day, recognizing his quarter-century of dedicated service to the citizens of South Arkansas.

Judge Van Hook passed away this week at his residence.

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Funeral arrangements are being handled by Sims Mortuary and were still pending at the time of publication.

His legacy will be remembered not only through the thousands of cases he adjudicated, but through the integrity, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to justice that defined his life and career.

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.

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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.

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].

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