THORNTON, Ark. — A Monticello man was killed Monday evening after the fuel truck he was driving crashed, overturned and caught fire on U.S. Highway 167 near Thornton, according to the Arkansas State Police.

A preliminary crash report identified the victim as James Westerbuhr, 48, of Monticello.

Investigators said Westerbuhr was driving a 2018 Freightliner southbound on U.S. 167 at approximately 6 p.m. when the tractor-trailer left the roadway, struck two embankments, overturned and burst into flames.

Westerbuhr died in the crash.

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The truck was carrying fuel at the time of the wreck, prompting authorities to temporarily shut down the highway and reroute traffic through Thornton while emergency crews responded to the scene.

The crash caused significant disruptions for motorists Monday evening as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze and officials secured the area.

The Arkansas State Police continue to investigate what caused the truck to leave the roadway. No additional vehicles were reported to have been involved in the crash.

The incident remains under investigation.

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EL DORADO, Ark. — A Heat Advisory remains in effect across South Arkansas through 8 p.m. Friday, with forecasters warning that dangerously hot conditions will continue through the afternoon and early evening.

According to the National Weather Service in Shreveport, afternoon high temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-90s to near 100 degrees, while heat index values could reach 105 to 109 degrees.

The advisory includes much of southwest Arkansas, along with portions of east Texas, southeast Oklahoma and northern Louisiana.

Meteorologists are urging residents to take precautions if spending time outdoors. Heat-related illnesses can develop quickly when temperatures and humidity combine to create dangerous conditions.

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Officials recommend:

• Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
• Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
• Spend time in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible, as fans alone may not provide enough relief during extreme heat.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to help stay cool.

Anyone working or exercising outdoors should take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning and watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Older adults, young children and people with chronic medical conditions are especially vulnerable to extreme heat.

The Heat Advisory is scheduled to remain in effect until 8 p.m. Friday.

EL DORADO, Ark. — The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce is inviting the community to celebrate the continued growth of a local business during a ribbon cutting ceremony for WalkingCanes.com next week.

The event will be held Thursday, Aug. 6, at 1:30 p.m. at 2016 N. College Ave. in El Dorado.

The ceremony will recognize WalkingCanes.com and its continued investment in the El Dorado community. Chamber officials say the event is an opportunity to celebrate the business’s success while welcoming community members, local leaders and fellow Chamber members.

The public is invited to attend, and organizers encourage residents to come out to show their support for the locally based company.

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The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce regularly hosts ribbon cuttings to recognize new businesses, expansions and milestone achievements that contribute to the local economy and strengthen the business community.

EL DORADO, Ark. — Murphy Oil Corp. is expected to report significantly stronger earnings and revenue when it releases its second-quarter financial results next week, according to analyst estimates.

The El Dorado-based energy company is scheduled to report results after the market closes on Wednesday, Aug. 5, followed by a question-and-answer session with investors and analysts on Thursday, Aug. 6.

Wall Street analysts expect Murphy Oil to earn $1.51 per share for the quarter ending in June, a dramatic increase from the same period a year ago. Revenue is projected to reach approximately $871 million, representing a more than 25% increase year over year.

While expectations remain strong, analysts have lowered their earnings forecasts over the past month, reducing the consensus estimate by roughly 30%. Even so, recent analyst revisions suggest Murphy Oil could outperform current expectations.

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According to investment research firm Zacks, Murphy Oil currently has an Earnings ESP of +0.25%, an indicator used to measure the likelihood of a company exceeding Wall Street’s consensus earnings estimate. Combined with the company’s current Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), the data suggests Murphy Oil has a favorable chance of delivering another earnings beat.

Murphy Oil has exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations in each of its last four quarterly reports. During the previous quarter, the company reported earnings of 32 cents per share, topping the consensus estimate of 29 cents per share by more than 10%.

Investors will be watching more than just the earnings figures. Company executives are expected to provide updates on production levels, capital spending plans, commodity prices and the outlook for the remainder of 2026 during the earnings conference call.

Murphy Oil is one of El Dorado’s largest publicly traded companies and remains a major employer with operations in the United States and Canada. The company’s financial performance is closely watched by investors and by many throughout South Arkansas because of its longstanding ties to the region.

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Although an earnings beat could provide a boost to Murphy Oil’s stock price, market analysts note that investor reaction will likely depend on management’s outlook for future production, energy prices and overall business conditions.

EL DORADO, Ark. — The Union County Detention Center is accepting applications for detention officers as it looks to add staff to its correctional team.

Detention officers play a key role in the daily operation and security of the facility, overseeing inmate supervision while ensuring the safe and orderly operation of the jail.

Job responsibilities include processing inmates during intake, maintaining records, conducting routine security checks of inmates and the facility, distributing meals, escorting detainees to court appearances and attorney visits, and conducting searches when necessary.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and successfully complete background, medical and psychological evaluations. Candidates should also have basic computer data entry skills, communicate professionally and effectively, and be willing to work 12-hour rotating shifts.

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The position offers a starting wage of $19 per hour along with a benefits package that includes health, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, retirement benefits, paid vacation and accrued sick leave.

Those interested in joining the Union County Sheriff’s Office team can obtain more information or apply by contacting Lt. Jesse Knight at the Union County Detention Center, 250 American Road in El Dorado, or by calling (870) 864-1970.